Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2023
169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if school transport tickets will be facilitated in the case of the two sons of a person (details supplied); if their case will be considered as a matter of urgency; if contact will be made with the family by Bus Éireann given they have been attempting to make contact to bring this matter to a resolution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14158/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Bus Éireann has advised that the family referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for transport as they are attending their third nearest Post Primary Centre. These pupils were unsuccessful in obtaining concessionary seats for the 2022/23 school year on the route to the school mentioned by the Deputy as the route is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available.
Bus Éireann has also advised that tickets have issued to the family for another route in the area to facilitate these pupils.
