Emer Currie
Question:473. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a special transport route (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5603/26]
View answerTuesday, 27 January 2026
Questions (473)
Written answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The pupil referred to has been deemed eligible for school transport under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs and the family have been availing of the special transport grant. However, in May 2025 they requested to change from the grant to a special educational needs service.
Unfortunately, Bus Éireann has reported difficulties in specific locations with a small number of contracted services, where it has not yet been possible to provide vehicles and/or drivers. The pupil referred to by the Deputy is assigned to one of these routes.
These difficulties have arisen in some cases due to lack of driver or contractor availability, or where either zero bids were received for a service, despite repeated efforts to procure one. The Bus Éireann School Transport team is working intensively to ensure that transport arrangements are put in place as soon as possible.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Bus Éireann are required to tender services in line with procurement guidelines and are responsible for the allocating and Garda vetting clearance of a contractor to operate this service.
Once a contractor has been sourced, the family will be contacted with regards to a start date.