Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 September 2026
325. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to PQ 64830/26, if she will review the case of a person; if she will clarify the reason the children concerned have been classified as non-eligible given that their home address is closer to the school they attend than to the school being treated as their nearest post-primary school; and if their eligibility status could be reviewed accordingly. [67916/26]
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 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.
Distance eligibility is determined by measuring the shortest traversable route from a child's home to the relevant school. Bus Éireann advised that following a distance check, the pupils were deemed not eligible in error. The pupils are now deemed eligible and will be considered for transport once a payment has been made.
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.
The existing service is operating to capacity, however, they can be facilitated on another service. Bus Éireann will contact the family directly to advise of the pickup point.
