Mattie McGrath
Ceist:584. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth when school bus tickets will be awarded to students (details supplied). [15062/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 February 2026
Ceisteanna (584)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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, and are subject to the following conditions:
• an application is made by the deadline date
• there is an existing service in place
• there is spare capacity on the service;
• routes will not be extended or altered, additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis;
• no additional State cost will be incurred;
Bus Éireann has advised that the family residing in the area referred to by the Deputy are not attending their nearest school/primary center. These pupils are deemed concessionary and were unsuccessful in obtaining tickets as the bus is operating at capacity.
Question No. 585 answered with Question No. 492.