1555. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated additional annual cost of providing sufficient capacity within the school transport scheme to ensure that every eligible child who applies before the relevant deadline can be offered a seat; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64011/26]

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

The scheme is demand led based on the number of children who apply and has expanded significantly over the past six years. 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.

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.

In general, all eligible pupils who apply and pay/enter medical card details by the deadline date, are facilitated on services.

Children who are eligible for school transport but for whom no service is available may be offered the Remote Area Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements. The Remote Area Grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 km or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.

The scheme is heavily subsidised, with over 92% of the overall cost covered. The approximate cost to the State per mainstream pupil is currently €1,400 annually.