Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
514. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will expedite a positive response to a school transport appeal (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29572/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Children are eligible for school 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.
Decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education and Youth regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes may be appealed to the School Transport Appeals Board.
Parents or guardians of children, or children who have reached the age of 18 years, may make an appeal. When received, the Board will liaise directly with the appellant regarding the appeal date and their subsequent deliberations.
This Board is independent in the performance of its functions in accordance with the terms of the Board’s Operating Procedures.
