Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
127. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of challenges to the operation of school bus routes due to requirements for experienced school bus drivers with existing Garda vetting to apply for new vetting due to a change of employer. [10524/26]
View answerAll school transport drivers are vetted by Bus Éireann through the Garda National Vetting Bureau. All drivers employed under the remit of the School Transport Schemes have to operate under strict Child Protection Guidelines set out by Bus Éireann which has been endorsed by Child Safeguarding Statement Compliance Unit (CSSCU) Tusla.
Garda vetting is specific to a role and an employer. If you are changing jobs, even in the same sector, the new employer is required to initiate a new vetting process.
Any further queries relating to vetting should be addressed to the Garda National Vetting Bureau who operate vetting based on the legislative requirements contained in the [National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016].
In such circumstances where there is no existing suitable service available, and while Bus Éireann are in the process of sourcing services, the Department will offer a grant on an interim basis to families of eligible children towards the cost of private transport arrangements based on the number of days attended from the date of application until a suitable dedicated specialised service becomes available.
