Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
465. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review correspondence (details supplied); if she will outline the position in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14042/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest primary school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Bus Eireann has advised that the family to whom the Deputy refers is not eligible for school transport to the school of attendance as they do not meet the distance criteria, however, there is currently capacity on a service close to their home address. The family should input their payment details on their family portal account in order for tickets to issue.
