Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
992. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education the status of the payment announced for bus operators that provide school transport to assist with rising costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29703/22]
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. In the region of 5,800 vehicles are operated by private contractors under contract to Bus Éireann for the provision of school transport scheme services.
With regard to the increasing price of fuel in recent months, my Department has been liaising with other relevant departments and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter. I am pleased to confirm that a contribution at a total cost of €5.3 million will be provided to address the impact of the increased cost of fuel for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of 2022 for contractors operating on the Department’s school transport scheme.
Bus Éireann have advised the Department they are currently making arrangements for processing payments to contractors and they plan to commence payments in the coming weeks.
