Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
324. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a person eligible for school transport who applied on time and has not been provided with school transport (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60779/22]
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.
Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann advise that the child referred was unsuccessful in obtaining a ticket for the 2022/23 school year, all services in the area are currently at full capacity. Bus Éireann have also advised they are currently assessing school transport routes and if seats become available, this family will be contacted directly.
