1292. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason for the delay in sanctioning a second school bus service for a primary school (details supplied); if the service will be sanctioned urgently give the return to school is imminent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62377/26]

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

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.

Children who are not eligible, but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated, previously known as concessionary tickets.

Because of the nature of transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for places for non-eligible pupils. In these cases, Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.

Bus Éireann have advised that the two routes that operated last year to the school referred to, will continue to operate for the 2026/27 school year.

31 eligible applicants and 12 non-eligible applicants applied and paid on time for the 2026/27 school year.

43 tickets have issued for the above services for the 2026/27 school year. All eligible and non-eligible pupils who applied and paid on time for the 2026/27 school year have been accommodated on transport.