Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
477. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of Bus Éireann buses on the school transport system that are eight-seater buses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27898/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs.
It is a demand led scheme based on the number of children who apply. Bus Éireann review all applications and payments after the closing date and assess the vehicle and contractor requirement based on the location of eligible applicants. The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and private contractor vehicles.
Bus Éireann does not operate any small capacity vehicles as referenced by the Deputy. Vehicles of this capacity are primarily small Public Service Vehicles (PSV) that are provided by Private Operators, under contract to Bus Éireann as part of the scheme.
As of the most recent data (Period 3 2026), there are currently 3,200 vehicles that fall within this category operating school transport services.
