1122. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason school bus services have been reduced in an area (details supplied); if this will be reconsidered, and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60084/26]

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

Where an applicant is not eligible for school transport, but the application and payment process is completed on time, they will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible applicants have been accommodated.

In relation to the route in question, in the 2025/26 school year a 16-seater vehicle was established to cater for 13 eligible pupils who applied and paid on time. In addition, 3 pupils who were not eligible were allocated to the remaining seats. 1 pupil who was not eligible was not successful in obtaining a ticket for the 2025/26 school year.

For the 2026/27 school year a 17-seater vehicle has been established to cater for 17 eligible pupils who applied and paid on time. 4 applicants who were not eligible were not successful in obtaining a ticket for the 2026/27 school year.

As the service has been established to accommodate for all eligible pupils who applied and paid on time, additional capacity cannot be added to cater for applicants who are not eligible.