Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
467. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the process employed in appealing a decision by her Department to refuse an application for school bus transport; the persons involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50354/22]
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.
Decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes may be appealed to the School Transport Appeals Board.
This Board is independent in the performance of its functions and work in accordance with the terms of their operating procedures. Parents or guardians of children, or children who have reached the age of 18 years, may make an appeal on-line. Further information on how the appeals process is carried out can be found at: www.schooltransportappeals.ie.
