Michael McNamara
Ceist:421. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education when persons (details supplied) will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43508/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 15 September 2021
Ceisteanna (421)
Freagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/2021 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application and payment process on time for the 2021/22 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and are offered seats where capacity exists after all eligible children have been catered for.
Bus Éireann advises that the pupils referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for transport under the terms of the scheme. However, Bus Éireann has further confirmed that concessionary tickets have been been issued to these families.