Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
255. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport can be provided to four children (details supplied) in view of their urgent need for same due to their parents’ work commitments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17302/24]
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.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary 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.
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.
Due to the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Under the terms of the scheme, the availability of concessionary transport varies from year to year based on the capacity on the buses running on all of the various routes and the number of eligible children accommodated on each route.
Bus Eireann have advised that the family referred to by the Deputy, have made school transport applications and paid on time for the 2024/2025 school year.
The family are not eligible for school transport as they reside 2.5kms from home to school and will be offered transport in line with mainstream concessionary policy in the 2024/25 school year.
The family have not applied for school transport in respect of the 2023/2024 school year.
