Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2025
230. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the correspondence (details supplied); if ticket for the child will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49537/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, 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.
Eligible children who complete the application process and pay or enter their medical card details on time will get a seat on a school bus service, if a service is available.
Children who are not eligible for school transport but complete the application and pay or enter their medical card details on time will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated. These spare seats are called concessionary seats.
There may be more demand than availability for concessionary seats. In such cases, Bus Éireann will use a selection process to allocate tickets for the spare seats.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is attending their 5th nearest post primary centre so is not eligible for transport. They were unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary ticket for the 2025/26 school year and the service is currently operating to capacity.
