Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
393. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on school transport provision for students (details supplied); and whether arrangements will be in place when these students commence on a full timetable. [68419/26]
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. The procurement of services can take a number of weeks.
Bus Éireann have advised that services for the pupils in question are currently in the procurement process. The families will be contacted by Bus Éireann directly once contractors have been sourced.
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 families referred to by the Deputy have all been provided with information relating to this grant.
