Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
280. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will look at a case (details supplied) where a pupil who was promised school transport has not been able to start secondary school because transport has not been delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17432/24]
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 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.
Bus Éireann is very conscious of the specialised nature of transport provision for pupils with special educational needs under the School Transport Scheme and all services are planned to meet the individual requirements of children travelling.
School Transport Section are investigating matters raised in this parliamentary question and will send a follow on response directly to the Deputy.
