1454. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the circumstances of a school transport application for a person (details supplied), whose application for transport for the 2026/2027 school year was unsuccessful due to capacity constraints despite an existing Bus Éireann service operating along the route and passing the students collection point; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63141/26]

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

Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.

Children who are not eligible for school transport but complete the application and pay or enter their medical card details on time will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated, previously known as concessionary seats.

Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil referred to is not eligible for transport as they are attending their 4th nearest Post Primary Centre.

An application and payment were received on time for this pupil for the 2026/27 school year however this pupil was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat for the 2026/27 school year and the existing service is currently operating to capacity.