1557. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of additional school transport routes and vehicles commissioned for the 2026-2027 school year compared with 2025-2026; the additional passenger capacity thereby provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64008/26]

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

The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs.

The 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 180,000 pupils in 2025, which equates to an increase of close to 50%.

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available since Bus Éireann are continuing to engage with families regarding the issue of tickets and setting up services for the 2026/27 school year.