53. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of applications for the school transport scheme, by county, for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years; the number of applicants in Cork county that applied for the scheme on time for 2026-2027; the number of applicants for special school transport; the changes that will occur for September 2027 compared to September 2026 in relation to the number of school buses, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54198/26]

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 181,000 pupils in 2025, which equates to an increase of close to 50%.

It is demand-led based on the number of eligible children who apply and pay on time. 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.

Applications for transport under the special educational needs scheme are still being received. As of 09 July 2026, 4,607 applications have been received but this number is expected to rise.

Planning for the 2027/28 school year will begin later this year; on that basis, information on September 2027 is currently not available.

The application data requested by the Deputy is not readily available and is currently being collated by Bus Éireann. It will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when it is available.