Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 September 2026
324. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to parliamentary question 64517/26, if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); if she will address the particular circumstances outlined whereby the schools classified as nearer are not suitable options for the student concerned; and if she will consider whether a capacity review of the route in question could provide a practical solution. [67955/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 km from their nearest post primary school/centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.
Children who are not eligible, but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; previously known as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for non-eligible pupils. In these cases, Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Eireann has advised that the family referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport as they are attending their 3rd nearest post primary centre.
Bus Éireann further advise the pupil referred applied and paid on time but was not successful in obtaining a ticket for the current 26/27 school year. The service is operating to capacity, and the pupil cannot be accommodated at this time.
