Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024
205. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education when a response will issue to communication regarding school transport for a child (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5891/24]
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 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils traveling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.
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.
At Primary level, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school, having regard to ethos and language.
The school to which the pupil currently attends is deemed to be an English speaking school.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Any remaining seats left after eligible children are accommodated are being allocated to concessionary children in the usual way. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets using an agreed selection process.
Applications for school transport are received through the Bus Éireann portal. The on-line portal is expected to open for new applications in the coming weeks. The deadline for new applications is usually the last Friday in April of each year. Any new applications made after the closing date are considered late applications and families will not be guaranteed a seat.
The family to whom the Deputy refers can make an on-line application to the new school of attendance for the 2024/25 School year on the Bus Éireann portal at www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.
