Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
323. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when approval will be given by her Department for transport for Ukrainian students who are at present resident in Oughterard to a school (details supplied) given that the nearest school in Oughterard is already at full capacity; the reason for the delay with this approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6604/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
Applications continue to be received on a daily basis as families are relocated or as new families arrive.
School transport can only be arranged once the School Transport Section have been made aware of transport needs for children arriving from Ukraine. Applications continue to be submitted from REALT co-ordinators to School Transport Section. Every effort is being made to ensure school transport services are up and running as they are required. However, given the ongoing movement and arrival of families, it may in some cases take time to arrange services for families.
Applications for school transport were recently received for pupils attending the schools referenced by the Deputy. These applications have been submitted to Bus Éireann and a transport solution is being assessed.
