Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2022
390. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education if the Bus Éireann school transport section received any instructions from her Department in relation to answering queries by Deputies on the provision of school transport tickets particularly concessionary tickets; and if so, the nature of those communications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53053/22]
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.
My Department officials engage with Bus Éireann staff on a daily basis with regard to the operation of the School Transport Scheme. In addition, quarterly strategic, and monthly operational meetings are held throughout the year.
Given the unprecedented demand for school transport for the current school year there has been an increased volume of calls and correspondence to both the dedicated Bus Éireann Customer Care Centre and to School Transport Section of my Department. The Department agreed to additional resources to facilitate additional staff in the Bus Éireann customer care centre with a view to alleviating the waiting and call answer times.
There is also a facility in place where Public Representatives can email queries on behalf of their constituents directly to Bus Éireann. My Department has not issued instructions to Bus Éireann in relation to answering queries by Deputies on the provision of school transport tickets other than to provide information on the operation or policy of the scheme in order to allow Bus Éireann answer queries where this is required.
