Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
695. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if she can confirm receipt of a late application for school transport from a student (details supplied); if this application can be considered in light of the student’s special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38654/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. 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 was 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 were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
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.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
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.
Because of 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.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy has submitted a late application for a mainstream service for the 23/24 school year. The Local Bus Éireann office have not yet issued all tickets for the service. Bus Éireann are continuing to schedule pupils on services as quickly as possible.
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to the Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
School Transport Section of my Department has not received an application for the child referred to by the Deputy under the terms of the school transport scheme.
If parents wish to make an application for school transport under the scheme for children with Special Educational Needs, parents can contact their school principal who will assist in making an application for school transport to the SENO that is affiliated with the school the child is attending. Further information on the School Transport Scheme can be found at: gov.ie/schooltransport
