THE Government has no plans to introduce extra bus services for school-going children, the Minister for Education has informed a County Limerick TD.
Rural Ireland Independent Richard O’Donoghue had asked if discussions are expected with schools that provide a private bus service in order that the charges to parents will also be waived.
In response, Minister Norma Foley explained that commercial contractors who provide transport for schools on a private hire or commercial basis, but who are not contracted by Bus Éireann to operate on the Department’s School Transport Scheme, do not fall under the remit of the Department of Education.
“Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only,” the Minister added.
