Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2024
155. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the number of students in County Monaghan wishing to avail of a seat on school transport but who have been unable to do so to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45815/24]
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.
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 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 School Transport Schemes and subject to a number of conditions.
Bus Éireann has advised that there are currently 4,266 pupils availing of school transport in County Monaghan, in comparison to 4,141 pupils in the 2023/24 school year. Bus Éireann further advised that 47 concessionary pupils were not successful in obtaining a ticket in the 2024/25 school year.
