Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2025
229. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the correspondence regarding school transport (details supplied); if tickets for the children mentioned will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49534/25]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, at post primary level, pupils are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pupils in question are not eligible for school transport as they are attending their 5th closest post primary centre. While the pupils applied and paid on time for the current school year, they were not successful in obtaining concessionary tickets and the service is operating to capacity.
