Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
250. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the engagement that he has had with the Minister for Education on the matter of school transport since June 2022; and if he will publish any correspondence shared with the Minister for Education on same. [43365/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport. The School Transport Scheme is a matter for the Minister for Education.
The School Transport Scheme (STS) is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education, and I am advised that 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.
My officials have regular engagement with their counterparts in the Department of Education in relation to the STS. Indeed, officials in my Department sit on the STS Review Steering Group, which is led by officials in the Department of Education. My Department is also responsible for corporate governance oversight of Bus Éireann and so would be aware of its role in administering the STS on behalf of the Department of Education.
I am given to understand that Bus Éireann is working hard to issue passes to all eligible school children who had applied for the free school transport scheme, and to issue refunds to those who had paid for tickets prior to the announcement of the fees waiver. It is envisaged that there will continue to be on-going engagement between the two Departments in relation to the STS.
