Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2022
16. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the reason that private bus operators contracted to Bus Éireann that do not receive a diesel rebate or VAT back; if bus operators will be included and receive a diesel rebate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33064/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy is referring to the School Transport Scheme which is a matter for the Minister for Education.
However I am advised by her officials that School 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, the Department of Education has been liaising with other relevant departments and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on this matter. The Minister for Education is 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.
