Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2023
122. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education when she will publish her Department’s review with the Department of Transport of the school-bus allocation system, given that parents are now trying to decide which schools their children should apply for to be based on the school-bus service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4821/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra123. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if she will publish interim reports on the review of the school-bus allocation system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4822/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €332.2m.
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.
A review of the School Transport Scheme commenced in February 2021. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately.
While work on the review was impacted somewhat by the challenges of the pandemic, the impact of the current conflict in Ukraine, and by the increased demand for the scheme in summer 2022 due to fees being waived, it is anticipated that the review will be completed shortly with recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s School Transport Scheme. Once approved by Government it is planned that the review will be published.
Planning for the operation of the school transport scheme for the 2023/24 is expected to be completed shortly. Bus Éireann will advertise the details of the 2023/2024 school year process through their website and social media platforms. Details will also be published on the Department’s website and, in line with normal practice, will also be communicated to Oireachtas Members.
