1540. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if consideration will be given by her Department for the resourcing of an additional school bus for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63994/26]

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

Children are eligible for school 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.

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.

Eligible pupils who complete the application process and pay or enter their medical card details on time will get a seat on a school bus service, if a service is available. Pupils who are not eligible but complete the application process on time will be considered for any spare speats once eligible pupils have been accommodated. There may be more demand than availability for these seats. In such cases, Bus Éireann will use a selection process to allocate tickets for the spare seats. Services cannot be upgraded for pupils who are not eligible for transport.

Bus Éireann have advised that the post primary school is serviced by 5 routes, with a capacity of 264 pupils across all vehicles. 150 pupils who are eligible for transport have been accommodated on these services, as well as 114 pupils who are not eligible for transport.

As all eligible applicants have been accommodated on services to the school, additional capacity is not warranted.