Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
330. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to deliver school transport for the July provision programme at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47169/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
School transport services for the Summer Programme 2026 may be available to pupils who normally avail of transport under School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) during the school year.
All schools who registered for the Summer Programme 2026 and who required SEN transport were asked to submit their details to the School Transport Section. These details are forwarded to Bus Éireann who will endeavour to arrange transport for the required pupils.
There is a facility within the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs 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 provides grant funding directly to the school for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay.
Bus Éireann has advised that drivers and vehicles are ready to operate these SEN services for the summer programme 2026.
As the escort is employed by the Board of Management/ETB, they are therefore responsible for all employment related matters relating to the Escort.
If a school transport service cannot be provided due to no service or escort being available, the Department can offer families a Special Transport Grant (STG) for the days that their child attended school.
The school in question has approached the department in relation to supplementary funding required for the employment of additional school bus escorts. Department officials have recently met with the school principal, Board of Management and Patron in this regard and continues to engage with the school directly on the matter.
