118. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications made for the school transport scheme for the 2026-2027 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40789/26]

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

Families are required to register their details on the Bus Éireann Family Portal to have their eligibility for transport assessed and to make applications under the scheme.

The closing date for applications and payments for the 2026/27 school year was 08 May 2026 and the portal is now temporarily closed.

Bus Éireann are currently assessing all on time applications and payments received and planning for routes and services for the 2026/27 school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.

The portal will reopen on 01 July 2026. Applications or payments/medical card details entered after the portal reopens will be considered late and a service may not be available. Additionally, late applications cannot be considered for a Remote Area Grant for the 2026/27 school year.

As the applications received are currently being reviewed the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available at this time.