Niamh Smyth
Ceist:357. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education to review a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16712/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 16 April 2024
Ceisteanna (357)
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.
A review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately.
The School Transport Scheme 2030 report has now been published. It marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030.
For the 2024/2025 school year it remains that, 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 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.
The closing date for new applications for the 2024/2025 school year is Friday 26 April 2024. The closing date for payment/entering medical details for tickets for the 2024/2025 school year is Friday 07 June 2024.
Bus Éireann has advised that eligibility for each student contained in the details supplied by the Deputy will be assessed, and a report will issue to the Department of Education as soon as this information is available.