Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
93. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if she will consider making temporary policy changes to the operation of the school transport scheme in County Donegal to accommodate eligibility anomalies that arise for those parents and students in MICA affected homes forced into temporary accommodation while availing of the defective concrete block scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12375/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
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.
I recognise that for families in temporary accommodation due to MICA affected homes, difficulties may arise. I can assure the Deputy that cases referred to by the Deputy in this context will be considered as they arise on a case by case basis to assess the transport options that can be offered to the affected families. My officials will work with Bus Eireann in considering appropriate flexible responses.
In general, under the terms of the School Transport Schemes children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process and paid on time are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Grants towards the cost of private transport arrangements may be paid to eligible students in certain circumstances. To be eligible for a grant, an application for transport must first be made and eligibility determined.
A remote area grant may be offered once a pupil is deemed eligible for the school transport scheme, in the following circumstances;
- Where there are not enough children residing in a distinct locality to warrant a service;
- Where no suitable service is available, or
- Where the distance is more than the minimum distance for eligibility for transport generally (3.2kms primary or 4.8kms post-primary).
