Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
127. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 532 of 10 February 2026, whether greater consideration for ethos will be considered (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15388/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
With regard to ethos, the Department of Education classifies schools as being one of the following - of religious denomination, interdenominational or multi-denominational.
At Post Primary level, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest post primary school/education centre subject to limited exceptions. The scheme has regard to ethos and language in that exceptions to eligibility for the scheme are considered in the case of minority religions and the Irish language. The scheme at Post Primary level provides transport for children of minority religion for whom there is less choice of school given the dispersed nature of these schools and also facilitates the viability of those minority religion schools.
