Written Answers Nos. 566-585
566. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education to provide an estimated date of when the citizens’ assembly on the future of education will get under way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34585/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to establishing a Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education ensuring that the voices of young people and those being educated are central. The establishment of the Citizens’ Assembly on the Future of Education and its Terms of Reference will be the subject of a Government decision and resolutions of the Dáil and Seanad at the appropriate time. Citizens’ Assemblies operate independently of the Government with secretariat support provided by the Department of the Taoiseach. My Department’s Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 sets out the framework for the Department’s work for this period, including advancing education commitments in the Programme for Government.
567. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education for an update on a building works application submitted by a school (details supplied). [34596/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
The application is currently being assessed by my officials. The school authorities will be contacted directly with a decision as soon as the assessment process has been completed.
568. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education for an update on a roof replacement application under the additional school accommodation scheme for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34598/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (or ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at other schools in the area.
At primary level, this situation generally arises to cater for a school’s accommodation requirements where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned by Teacher Allocation Section, or the requirement for a new class for pupils with special education needs has been identified by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes. The capacity at other schools in the area is also considered as part of the assessment of any accommodation needs.
I can confirm to the Deputy, that we are in receipt of an application for the ASA scheme from the school in question. A proposed brief of accommodation has recently issued to the school. Officials in my Department await a reply to the proposed brief of accommodation.
The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my Department. My officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider School Planning Area for future years
569. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education for an update on the prefabricated classroom which has been applied for in March 2023 for a school (details supplied) in Donegal town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34603/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at other schools in the area.
In the context of making most effective use of our capital allocation, and mindful of climate action goals, Department officials are working to make sure that all school accommodation capacity is being maximised.
The provision of required school places including for children with special education needs is a priority for the Department. I can assure the school that Department officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider area for 2024/25 and future years.
570. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 52 of 17 April 2024, if the Teaching Council has considered whether it can make any further amendment to the registration regulations to again put in place the provision to enable overseas qualified applicants to complete induction in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34605/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
The Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. The Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act and there are five routes of registration.
To assist with teacher supply challenges in the context of a demographic need, the Teaching Council has proposed the creation of a timebound provision within the revised Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations, 2016. This timebound provision, once enacted would enable eligible teachers who have qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland (ROI) to apply for registration and complete their induction requirement in the ROI. The implementation of the revised Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations is subject to a staged Proportionality Assessment process in line with the 2018 EU Proportionality Test Directive. Subject to the outcome of the Proportionality Assessment process, the timebound provision is intended to open to applications from the implementation date of the revised Registration Regulations.
The Teaching Council has now officially launched the consultation process for the new Registration Regulations, including the required Proportionality Assessment, with full details available on the Teaching Council website.
At this time, it is anticipated that the timebound provision could open to applications in the first quarter of 2025, however this is dependent on the outcome and impact of the consultation and proportionality assessment.
571. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 455 of 9 April 2024, to provide an update on any further progress on the matter; if direct contact has been made with the school by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34661/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm approval of the percent for art grant issued to the school referred to by the Deputy in 2014, as part of the major building project at that time. My Department has re-issued this approval to the school and advised in relation to drawdown requirements, along with contact details.
572. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the status of a new school build (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34663/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (or ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at other schools in the area.
At primary level, this situation generally arises to cater for a school’s accommodation requirements where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned by Teacher Allocation Section, or the requirement for a new class for pupils with special education needs has been identified by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes. The capacity at other schools in the area is also considered as part of the assessment of any accommodation needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
The Department engages intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
Schools’ support for the establishment of special classes is most welcome. Where additional accommodation is indicated as being required, an analysis of both student demand and available accommodation in an area is required. In this regard, the Department is working very closely with the NCSE to ensure that this required analysis is thoroughly explored with a view to providing the most immediate and cost effective accommodation solutions for the establishment of new special classes
Since 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €4.9 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 900 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings. These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
The application from the school in question is currently being considered by my officials. Once the assessment process has been finalised the school authority will be notified of the decision directly.
573. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason a Bus Éireann school transport case (details supplied), which was submitted through the Bus Éireann Oireachtas help desk, has not been answered and a response not issued; if she will investigate this matter and instruct that a response is issued immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34674/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
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.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme and may be offered a ticket where capacity exists once all eligible children have been catered for.
The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s post primary school education cycle. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets using an agreed selection process.
The pupils referred to by the Deputy are considered as concessionary applicants as they reside 2.1km and therefore do not meet the distance criteria for the school transport scheme. Routes can not be extended or altered to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis.
574. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason a Bus Éireann school transport case (details supplied), which was submitted through the Bus Éireann Oireachtas help desk, has not been answered and a response not issued; if she will investigate this matter and instruct that a response is issued immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34675/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
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.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
An eligible child for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within the prescribed time limits, receive a remote area grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements.
Bus Éireann has reviewed the service that had been made available for the pupil referred to by the Deputy for the 2024/25 school year and has noted that it is not a reasonable service for the pupil. Therefore, the remote area grant will be available to the family for the 2024/25 school year.
575. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason a Bus Éireann school transport case (details supplied), which was submitted through the Bus Éireann Oireachtas help desk, has not been answered and a response not issued; if she will investigate this matter and instruct that a response is issued immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34676/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra576. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason a Bus Éireann school transport case (details supplied), which was submitted through the Bus Éireann Oireachtas help desk, has not been answered and a response not issued; if she will investigate this matter and instruct that a response is issued immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34677/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 575 and 576 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
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.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school, are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Of the list of 28 pupils submitted by the Deputy, 26 pupils have received tickets. No application was made for one pupil and a late payment was received for the other pupil, who is deemed concessionary as they are not attending their nearest school. The service in question is now operating to capacity.
577. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason a Bus Éireann school transport case (details supplied), which was submitted through the Bus Éireann Oireachtas help desk, has not been answered and a response not issued; if she will investigate this matter and instruct that a response is issued immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34678/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra578. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason a Bus Éireann school transport case (details supplied), which was submitted through the Bus Éireann Oireachtas help desk, has not been answered and a response not issued; if she will investigate this matter and instruct that a response is issued immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34679/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 577 and 578 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
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.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school, are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible under the terms of the Post Primary scheme as they are attending their 5th nearest Post-Primary centre. There is no suitable service from where the pupil resides.
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
A pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class / special school or unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs under Department of Education criteria.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
If the parents wish to make an application for transport under the above scheme they should contact their school principal who will assist in making an application.
579. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason a Bus Éireann school transport case (details supplied), which was submitted through the Bus Éireann Oireachtas help desk, has not been answered and a response not issued; if she will investigate this matter and instruct that a response is issued immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34680/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
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.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy are not eligible under the terms of the primary scheme as they reside 1.7km from their school, and do not meet the distance criteria. There is no service from where they reside and it is not possible to alter the route as requested where pupils are not eligible for transport.
580. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason a query (details supplied), which was submitted through her Department and then transferred to Ms. Hildegarde Naughton TD, Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion, has not been answered and a response has not been issued, despite several requests; if she will investigate this matter and instruct that a response is issued immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34681/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the reply requested by the Deputy issued on 5 September.
581. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education regarding the Proposed changes to school transport scheme, what date will the removal of the ‘nearest school’ requirement if there are existing bus routes be enacted. [34689/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 138,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 1.4% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
As the Deputy is aware, a review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately.
The School Transport Scheme 2030 report, which was published earlier this year, marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. Throughout the review, the value of the School Transport Scheme to both families and in supporting wider Government policies has been very apparent. In summary, school transport not only plays an important part in supporting children's access to education, but it also aligns to wider Government objectives.
Overall, the recommended changes to the future operation of the Scheme include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer.
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations will begin in September 2024. It is intended, subject to resources, to commence implementing the revised eligibility criteria in the 2025/2026 school year.
582. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to review a school bus ticket application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34706/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
The purpose of the 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 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.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme and subject to a number of conditions:
The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s post primary school education cycle. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport as they are attending their third nearest post primary centre.
Bus Éireann further advise they were unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary school transport ticket for the 2024/25 school year.
583. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to review a school bus ticket application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34709/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
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.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school, are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil to whom the Deputy refers is not eligible under the terms of the school transport scheme as they are attending their 5th nearest Post-Primary School.
This pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary ticket for the 2024/25 school year and the bus is now operating to capacity.
584. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to review a school bus ticket application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34710/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
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.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school, are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible under the terms of the school transport scheme as they are attending their 5th nearest Post-Primary centre,
This pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary ticket for the 2024/25 school year and the bus is now operating to capacity.
585. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education her plans to encourage schools to allow crèches to operate on their grounds where space is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34711/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department supports and encourages the use of school buildings for community and recreational purposes, where feasible, including childcare and after school uses.
My Department has recently published the Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours. These Procedures are available for each school to refer to for guidance in relation to the use of school buildings outside of school hours, including any planned after school and creche arrangements.
However, the decision on the use of school property is a matter for the property owner taking into consideration the current and future requirements of the school, the students and the staff. Also it is important that any proposed arrangement does not impede upon the future development of the school, given that the priority for schools is educational provision for its pupils.
