Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:353. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the case of a pupil (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32945/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 22 June 2021
Ceisteanna (353)
Freagraí scríofa
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application and payment process on time are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
My Department does not appear to have an application for transport for the pupil referred to by the Deputy and I would advise that the family in question contact School Transport Section of my Department directly in this regard.