Aisling Dempsey
Question:478. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she plans to ensure that school bus escorts are employed all year round; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5636/26]
View answerTuesday, 27 January 2026
Questions (478)
Written answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a school transport escort where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.
The Board of Management/ETB are responsible for the employment of the school transport escort. The Department of Education and Youth provides grant funding directly to the school for the employment of the school transport escort and sets the rate of pay.
It is recognised that school bus escorts play a vital role in supporting children with special educational needs in their journey to and from school.
The commitment to review pay rates for school bus escorts was completed. Since then, the rate of pay for escorts was increased to €15.20 per hour from 01 October 2024. It was further increased to €15.50 per hour effective from 01 March 2025. The most recent pay rate effective from 01 August 2025 is €15.66.