315. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider amending the current procedure for funding the cost of school bus escorts (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54377/26]

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

There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a school transport escort where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.

The Board of Management/ETB are responsible for the employment of the school transport escort. The Department of Education and Youth provides grant funding directly to the school for the employment of the school transport escort and sets the rate of pay. This grant funding is paid in advance of the upcoming year so that schools have the funds available to pay school bus escorts.

The Department is introducing a revised payment schedule for school transport escort funding for schools. From the current school year, escort funding will be paid in two instalments. The first payment will cover all actual escort hours worked in 2025/26 and provide advance funding for the start of the 2026/27 school year. The second payment will complete the advance funding for 2026/27, including provision for the Summer Programme.

Schools are still required to submit their Escort Reconciliation Sheets to ensure payments are accurate and aligned with actual hours worked.

The Department will engage with schools to ensure the revised system operates smoothly. This change is designed to support schools by improving predictability of funding and no school will lose out as a result of this change; funding will continue to be based on actual escort hours worked.