Niamh Smyth
Ceist:492. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14652/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 9 April 2024
Ceisteanna (492)
Freagraí scríofa
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 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling 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 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.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to is not eligible for mainstream transport as they are attending their second nearest Post Primary Centre.
As the Deputy may be aware, Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) are being continued for the 2024/25 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport is provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Bus Éireann has further advised that an application has been received for this pupil for the 2024/25 school year and that the application is currently assigned to the local Inspector for review. Families will be contacted during the Summer when concessionary tickets are being allocated to pupils.