Emer Higgins
Question:299. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education if a reply will be issued to a representation by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32337/23]
View answerTuesday, 4 July 2023
Questions (299)
Written answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. There has been an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.In addition, school transport scheme services have been provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine. The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.Officials in the School Transport Section of my Department contacted the family in May 2023. Remote Area Grant payments are processed throughout the summer months for the previous school year, and are payable on receipt of completed Statement of Attendance forms and payee details form.
School Transport Section have contacted the family in recent days to advise that their details have been received and added to the payment schedule. Families who wish to contact School Transport Section can email: school_transport@education.gov.ie where officials in my Department will be happy to assist with any queries.