Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
389. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will engage with a family and school to assist in providing school transport assistance for a pupil (details supplied) due to the very particular family circumstances. [68355/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBus Éireann is responsible for the planning, timetabling of school transport routes and issuing of tickets 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.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Bus Éireann have advised what the while the pupil is eligible for transport, unfortunately there are not sufficient eligible pupils to warrant the establishment of a transport service.
Where there are not enough eligible children to establish or retain a school transport service or other reasons, families may be offered the Remote Area Grant (RAG). This grant helps eligible families with the cost of making their own transport arrangements when school transport cannot be provided.
The family in question is eligible for the remote area grant and school transport section will contact them directly to advise further on how to claim this grant.
