Written Answers Nos. 904-922
904. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education the expenses paid to ministerial advisers in her Department in each of the years 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43150/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is set out below.
Norma Foley, T.D. Minister for Education, 27th June 2020 to Present:
Christy Mannion Special Adviser (29th July 2020 to 26th October 2020) (7th November 2020 to 8th December 2020)
|
YEAR |
EXPENSES |
|
2020 |
Nil |
Gary Woods Special Adviser (27th October 2020 to 6th November 2020)
|
YEAR |
EXPENSES |
|
2020 |
Nil |
Aine Doyle Special Adviser
|
YEAR |
EXPENSES |
|
2020 |
Nil |
|
2021 |
€1,494 |
|
2022 |
€1,956 |
Eoin Murphy Special Adviser
|
YEAR |
EXPENSES |
|
2020 |
Nil |
|
2021 |
€6,356 |
|
2022 |
€9,533 |
Josepha Madigan, T.D, Minister of State, Department of Education:
Michael Ward Special Adviser (September 2020 to April 2022)
|
YEAR |
EXPENSES |
|
2020 |
Nil |
|
2021 |
€625 |
|
2022 |
€147 |
Colin Clarke Special Adviser (April 2022 to Present)
|
YEAR |
EXPENSES |
|
2022 |
€675 |
Joe McHugh, T.D., Minister for Education & Skills up to 27/6/2020:
Ed Carty Special Adviser
|
YEAR |
EXPENSES |
|
2020 |
€566 |
Mark O’Doherty Special Adviser
|
YEAR |
EXPENSES |
|
2020 |
€109 |
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, T.D., Minister of State up to 27/6/2020:
Roy Dooney Special Adviser
|
YEAR |
EXPENSES |
|
2020 |
Nil |
Lynda McQuaid Special Adviser
|
YEAR |
EXPENSES |
|
2020 |
€ |
John Halligan, T.D., Minister of State up to 27th June 2020: Anthony McFeely Special Adviser
|
YEAR |
EXPENSES |
|
2020 |
Nil |
905. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to secondary school teachers returning from the Middle East having taught in private schools being unable to claim their experience on the incremental scheme; if she will take action to address this in order to allow this experience to be registered given that primary school teachers can do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43204/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to your correspondence in relation to an enquiry from a post primary teacher concerning their previous teaching service in the United Arab Emirates.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC). This Council is comprised of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Education. The Council is chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
My Department’s incremental credit circulars 29/2007 and 29/2010 detail the application process with regard to post-primary teachers.
These circulars provide for the award of incremental credit for service given within the EU. While the circulars provide for the award of incremental credit in respect of teaching service in private primary schools outside the EU, no provision is made for the award of incremental credit in respect of teaching service given in private post primary schools outside of the European Union.
Arrangements for the award of incremental credit for post primary teachers are outlined in Circular 29/2007, and any changes in eligibility would have to be negotiated through the Teachers Conciliation Council.
The teachers unions have lodged a number of claims at TCC about incremental credit, including one in relation to recognising private teaching service, given by post-primary teachers, outside the EU. This issue is still under consideration at TCC.
906. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she will account for the lack of school places for pupils (details supplied) in County Waterford. [43208/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's projections of post primary school place requirements in County Waterford show an anticipated continued growth in enrolments in the short- to medium-term.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, including projects in the area in question, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, including accommodation for pupils with special educational needs, if required, for schools where an additional enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. Details of schools listed on this programme (the Additional Accommodation Scheme) can also be found on my Department's website at www.gov.ie and this information is also updated regularly.
In response to projected future need and to enrolment pressures in the area, there has been significant capital investment by my Department providing additional capacity at post primary schools in county Waterford.
- CBS Mount Sion (64930I) Project to facilitate expansion to cater for LTPE of 500 pupils - stage 1
- Waterpark College (64940L) Project to facilitate expansion to cater for LTPE of 450 - Stage 4
- Newtown School (65010R) . Project to facilitate its expansion to cater for 650 - stage 2b
- Gaelcholaiste Phort Lairge (68078U) Project to cater for LTPE of 300 - Pre stage 1
School place needs across all school planning areas will continue to be kept under review, using refreshed Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and other updated information as they become available.
907. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if the case of a child (details supplied) who has no bus ticket will be addressed. [43218/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
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. In addition,
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as they are attending their third closest school. The pupil has not been successful in obtaining a seat at this time for the 22/23 school year. If a seat becomes available the Local Office will contact the parent directly.
908. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if the case of a child (details supplied) who has no school transport will be addressed. [43220/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last 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 July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
The pupil referred to by the Deputy was unsuccessful in acquiring a ticket for the 2022/2023 school year as they did not complete the ticket registration process by the closing date of 29 July. The service referred to by the Deputy in this area are currently operating at capacity.
909. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if the case of a child (details supplied) who has no school transport will be addressed. [43221/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last 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 July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
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. In addition,
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Bus Éireann have advised that unfortunately the family did not complete the ticket registration process by the closing date of 29 July and the pupil referred to by the Deputy was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat for the 2022/2023 school year. The school transport service for this school is currently operating at capacity.
910. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if the case of a child (details supplied) who has no school transport will be addressed. [43222/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
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 on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that tickets have been issued to this family for both pupils on the 02/09/2022 and will be arriving to the pupil’s home in the coming days.
911. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if the case of a child (details supplied) who has no school transport will be addressed. [43230/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last 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 July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
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 on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the family referred to by the Deputy, were unsuccessful in acquiring tickets for the 2022/2023 school year as they did not complete the ticket registration process by the closing date of 29 July. Services to the school are currently operating at capacity.
912. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if the case of a child (details supplied) who has no school transport will be addressed. [43233/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last 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 July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
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 on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.
I am pleased that Bus Éireann has advised that a ticket issued to the pupil referred to by the Deputy on 25th August 2022 for the 22/23 school year.
913. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if the case of a child (details supplied) who has no school transport will be addressed. [43237/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
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. In addition,
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the family referred to by the Deputy in this case, did not complete the application process by the closing date of 29th July 2022, and the student was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as the existing service is operating to capacity.
914. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the case of children in County Kildare (details supplied) and their lack of school transport. [43240/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
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 on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
In addition, temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
In relation to the first family raised by the Deputy, Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil(s) referred to are not eligible for transport as they are attending their third closest school. A ticket request was received for this pupil on 17/07/2022, however this pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2022/23 school year.
The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available. at present.
In relation to the second family raised by the Deputy, Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil(s) attending primary school are eligible for transport as they are attending their nearest school. A ticket request was submitted for these pupils on 24/08/2022.
The pupils from this family that are attending post primary school are eligible for transport as they are attending their Post Primary Centre. A ticket request was submitted for these pupils on 24/08/2022 which is deemed late, however Bus Éireann are in the process of ascertaining if there is spare capacity to accommodate these pupils.
In relation to the third family raised by the Deputy, Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil(s) referred to are not eligible for transport as they are attending their third closest school. A ticket request was received for this pupil on 20/07/2022, however this pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2022/23 school year.
The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available at present.
In relation to the fourth family raised by the Deputy, Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil is not eligible for transport as they do not meet the distance criteria. A ticket request was received for this pupil on 21/07/2022, however this pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2022/23 school year.
The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available at present.
In relation to the fifth family raised by the Deputy, Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil(s) are eligible for transport as they are attending their nearest school. Ticket requests were received for these pupils on 24/08/2022 and tickets will be issued to these pupils in due course.
915. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education the position regarding contracted-out buses participating in the school transport scheme being permitted to drive to the crossroads on Banna Road, Ardfert to pick up schoolchildren for schools in the Tralee area as opposed to the schoolchildren having to stand at the edge of a busy junction on a main road; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43243/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last 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.
Bus Éireann has confirmed that a revised arrangement is being put in place to to extend the service so that the bus will not pick up pupils at the junction referred to by the Deputy.
916. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when decisions will be made on remote area grant applications for students (details supplied) to attend a school; the reason for the delay in processing same given that the school term has commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43244/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
The purpose of the Remote Area Boarding Grant scheme is to give students who are disadvantaged because of their remoteness from schools an opportunity to attend school on the same basis as students not so disadvantaged.
The terms of this scheme are set out in Circular 16/2016 which is published on my Department’s website at www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0016_2016.pdf.
The cases referred to by the Deputy have been examined by Bus Éireann, who operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department and have recently be returned to my Department.
These applications outlined by the Deputy will now be assessed by the Department and the pupil’s parents will be informed of this decision.
917. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education when a school transport ticket will issue to a person (details supplied). [43269/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
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 on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
In addition, temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.
I am pleased that Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy in this case was issued with a ticket on 26th August 2022.
918. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education if she will approve a school bus transport ticket for a person (details supplied). [43270/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that a seat has become available that can accommodate the child referred to by the Deputy and a ticket will issue in the coming days on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year.
919. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she will reply to correspondence (details supplied) on school transport. [43290/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the last 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 July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
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.
The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply. Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post-primary level students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary, applicants and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat on when all eligible children have been catered for.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
As the Deputy is aware, the Department commenced a review of the School Transport Scheme in February 2021. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme and how it currently operates, its broader effectiveness and sustainability and that it adequately supports the provision of services to students and their families. The review will also consider the objectives of the School Transport Scheme in the context of other Government policies as they relate to School Transport, in particular, the potential of the School Transport Scheme to promote sustainability in transport, reduce car journeys and supporting rural development.
920. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the status of progress on a building project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43294/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project referred to by the deputy is a campus project which has been devolved for delivery to Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB).
The project is at Stage 1 of the architectural planning process. The Department is in receipt of the Stage 1 Report and has scheduled a Stage 1 meeting for 2pm on September 8th 2022.
While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, WWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
921. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided to a child (details supplied) in County Mayo. [43299/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the last 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.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
School Transport ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Bus Éireann are processing applications and issuing tickets as soon as extra buses and drivers are sourced and become available to provide transport for the higher numbers qualifying for the service.
The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria. Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th July.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that this family referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport under the terms of the school transport scheme and were unsuccessful in obtaining a seat on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as the existing service is operating to capacity.
922. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when a school bus ticket will issue to a child (details supplied) in County Mayo. [43300/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
I am pleased to advise that the child referred to by the Deputy was issued a ticket on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year.
