1558. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of concessionary school transport applications received for the 2026-2027 school year; the number approved, refused and awaiting determination; the corresponding figures for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64006/26]

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 number of non eligible pupils travelling on services in the current school year is not yet available since Bus Éireann are continuing to issue tickets to pupils where capacity exists.

For the 2025/26 school year the number of non-eligible pupils travelling on school transport services was just under 50,000. The total number of mainstream pupils travelling was just over 151,000.

For the 2024/25 school year the number of non-eligible pupils travelling on school transport services was over 45,000. The total number of mainstream pupils travelling was over 144,000.

For the 2023/24 school year the number of non-eligible pupils travelling on school transport services was over 41,000. The total number of mainstream pupils travelling was over 136,000.