Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
511. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department, alongside the Department of Transport, could ensure that capacity issues are addressed ahead of the next academic year to ensure there are enough bus providers for schools to ensure students that meet criteria get a bus place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9128/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. It is made up of the Mainstream scheme at Primary and Post Primary level, as well as the scheme for pupils with Special Educational Needs. It is operated by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
The scheme has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service have grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 181,000 pupils by the end of 2025, which equates to an increase of circa 50%.
Under the current terms of the mainstream scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2km from and are attending their nearest primary school, and reside not less than 4.8km from and are attending their nearest post primary centre, as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
All eligible pupils have a service where one is available. Pupils who do not meet the eligibility criteria are considered concessionary pupils. Where concessionary pupils have applied and paid and time and there is a service available they will be accommodated. In the current school year there are approximately 100,000 eligible pupils and 50,000 concessionary pupils on mainstream services.
The Bus Éireann Family Portal will begin accepting applications for the 2026/27 school year in the coming weeks.
Following the closing date for payment or entering medical card details, the portal will close. This will give Bus Éireann time to assess all applications and plan for routes and services for the 2026/27 school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
The scheme is a demand led scheme based on the number of eligible children who apply. It is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and directly recruited drivers, and private contractors who recruit their own drivers to operate on the scheme.
As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by private contractors under the School Transport Scheme.
Over 90% of school bus services are provided by private contractors; each contractor recruits school vehicle drivers directly.
As part of a national focus on driver requirements, the Department facilitated a working group between the Department of Education and Youth, Department of Transport, Bus Éireann, and Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) to increase the availability of drivers within both the school transport scheme and other public transport areas nationally, through existing and potential training schemes.
As a result of work undertaken by the working group, a taskforce was established which is chaired by the Department of Transport. The aim of the taskforce is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues and put forward recommendations and measures to create a pipeline of workers to address these issues.
This taskforce is currently examining all challenges and opportunities to ensure a fully resourced transport workforce, such as drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers. All factors impacting issues such as recruitment, training and retention will be considered as a part of the taskforce’s work programme.
Bus Éireann has actively sought to recruit more contractors and drivers for the School Transport Scheme. A national and local media campaign was launched in 2025 to attract professional drivers. Further information can be found at: www.buseireann.ie/contractors.
