Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
372. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to correspondence (details supplied), if she will provide an update on school transport for a child; if a tender for the relevant route is currently open; if not the reason for this; and if a driver has been appointed for this route. [68295/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by private contractors. They advise that the route referred to by the Deputy is currently in the procurement process and that once a suitable contractor has been sourced the Local Office will contact the family with the arrangements.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for children with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore receive an interim Special Transport Grant (STG). This is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is intended to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until the service starts. The family have been provided with information on the grant.
