Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
61. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total number of reps submitted to Bus Éireann school transport via the designated public reps line (details supplied) in 2026; the number of responses issued by BÉ via this reps line in 2026; and the average response time for reps submitted via this contact line. [69132/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
At the outset, it's important to state that both the department and Bus Éireann acknowledges and appreciates the role of Oireachtas members in making representations on behalf of their constituents and indeed recognise the role of Oireachtas members in communicating ongoing developments regarding the provision of school transport across the country.
The school transport scheme has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service have grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 180,000 pupils in 2025, which equates to an increase of close to 50%.
In line with such scaling of operations, there has understandably also been an increase in representations.
Given the particular increase in representations to Bus Éireann in advance of the commencement of the new school year, combined with the routine administrative work in relation to school transport provision generally, regrettably, there has been delays in responding to queries.
Bus Éireann also has a dedicated customer service operation in place to assist members of the public seeking updates on their school transport applications and the operation of services more generally.
Bus Éireann has advised that they are preparing the data requested by the Deputy and will respond directly in this regard.
