Louis O'Hara
Ceist:207. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a school bus service will return for a pupil (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53532/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 October 2025
Ceisteanna (207)
Freagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Unfortunately, difficulties have arisen in a number of locations, with a small number of contracted services, where it has not yet been possible to provide vehicles / drivers.
These difficulties have arisen in some cases due to lack of driver or contractor availability and this is affecting the service referred to by the Deputy. The Bus Éireann local office is working to source cover for this service and will contact the family as soon as it is ready to start.
Both the department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for children with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore receive an interim Special Transport Grant (STG). This is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is intended to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until the service starts. Affected families do not need to apply for this grant and will be contacted directly by School Transport Section in my department with more details.