Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
418. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a breakdown of the €69 million investment allocated to strengthen the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73295/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
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.
In the current school year over 180,000 children and young people are being transported on a daily basis to schools throughout the country.
Close to €70m of additional permanent funding is being allocated to school transport services. This is to provide for the additional demand for pupils with special educational needs on school transport services and increased bus contractor running costs.
It will also provide for additional funding on the School Transport Scheme fleet, and to implement improved technology such as e-ticketing on school transport services. E-ticketing will enhance students’ experiences on school transport and allow for greater visibility on seat usage. With better data, this will inform future route planning and maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.
