Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2026
841. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if provision will be made for private bus operators working under contract for Bus Éireann to apply for the fuel allowance/support scheme, as the current online application system only appears to provide an option for hauliers; and if she will clarify how eligible private bus companies can apply for this support. [42313/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra939. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the details of the fuel support for school transport services who are ineligible to apply for road transporters support scheme; the timeline for when they will be able to avail of support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43707/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 841 and 939 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme.
The Department of Education and Youth fully recognise the essential role played by school transport operators, in facilitating transport to and from school for over 181,000 children and young people nationally, which includes the provision of transport for over 24,000 children with additional needs.
The Department appreciates the concerns given the recent global events and the impacts seen in fuel prices in Ireland in the past months.
A support package of measures aimed at easing the rising cost of fuel across relevant sectors, was recently approved by the Government, in order to provide targeted relief to transport operators including school transport operators.
Bus Éireann has written to contractors to advise that the package was approved. These support mechanisms will be administered through contractual arrangements and do not need to be applied for separately under the Road Transporters Support Scheme.
The details of these supports are currently being finalised in the Department of Transport; further information will be available shortly.
