Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2024
46. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the provision of school bus transport for the 2024-25 academic year for secondary school students travelling from Kilmore, County Wexford into Wexford town; if a resolution similar to the one recently found for students travelling from Gowran, County Kilkenny into Kilkenny city has been determined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22060/24]
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.
The Post Primary School Transport Scheme supports the transport to and from school of children who reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post-primary education centre/school.
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 and where capacity exists.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and will be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated.
Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for the spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Temporary alleviation measures were approved which allowed for the provision of transport for post-primary students who were otherwise eligible for school transport but were attending their second nearest school and had applied and paid on time. In effect, these students remain to be considered as concessionary, but transport is provided for students who met the criteria where there are existing services available.
Bus Éireann has advised that there are two areas in Kilmore that this matter may relate to, and they cannot provide an update on applications for the 2024/2025 school year unless further information is provided.
If the Deputy wishes to forward details of the families in question to School Transport Section, officials in my Department will be happy to assist.
Bus Éireann will examine all applications and services for school transport for the 2024/2025 school year following the payment closing date of 07 June. Arising from the analysis, routes may be altered, extended, or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
