Written answer
School Transport
The Minister said over 99% of 34,626 post-primary teaching posts were filled in November 2025, but the Department lacks subject-level data on unfilled posts, unqualified appointments and subjects not offered for 2025/26. Measures to address shortages include STEM bursaries, upskilling programmes, revised permanent-contract arrangements and workforce planning.
236. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth If she will review the case of a person (details supplied); if she will provide an update on the school bus ticket application; and if the tickets could be issued given the circumstances. [66293/26]
Comment on this
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 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.
Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.
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 seats.
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 non-eligible pupils. In these cases, Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann have advised that one of the pupils referred is not eligible for school transport to their primary school of attendance however they were successful in obtaining a seat and a ticket has issued.
Bus Éireann further advise that two of the other pupils referred to are eligible for school transport as they are attending their nearest post-primary centre. An application was created before the deadline for one of these pupils; however, this application was subsequently closed by the family. Late applications were received for both pupils on 27 August, and these are currently assigned to the local Inspector for review. Bus Éireann will liaise with the family in the coming days.