Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
498. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of Bus Éireann being consistently unresponsive in relation to queries from families and elected representatives pertaining to the school transport scheme; the measures she will take to improve communication from Bus Éireann regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14314/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
At the outset, it's important to state that both the department and Bus Éireann acknowledges and appreciates the role of Oireachtas members in making representations on behalf of their constituents, and indeed recognise the role of Oireachtas members in communicating ongoing developments regarding the provision of school transport across the country.
The school transport 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 in 2025, which equates to an increase of 48%. In line with such scaling of operations, there has understandably also been an increase in representations.
It is acknowledged that improvements are required in the management of representations and this is something I, my department and Bus Éireann are cognisant of and are working to resolve.
Bus Éireann also has a dedicated customer service operation in place to assist members of the public seeking updates on their school transport applications and the operation of services more generally.
