1319. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether consideration is being given to allowing pupils who have secured a concessionary place under the school transport scheme to retain that place for the duration of their primary or post-primary education, subject to capacity remaining available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57738/26]

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

Since 2018, the number of students using school transport has increased by 54%, rising from almost 118,000 students in 2018 to 181,000 students in 2025.

The scheme 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: buseireann.ie/schooltransport/

A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

Children who are not eligible but completed the application process on time will be considered for spare seats that are available once all eligible children are accommodated, otherwise known as concessionary seats.

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases, Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process. As this is a demand led scheme it is not possible to implement the proposal suggested by the Deputy.