It is expected that the Minister for Education, Normal Foley, will update the Government today on the review of the school transport scheme which is used by 161,000 students.

Under the current scheme, the rules require that students must choose the school nearest their home to get state-funded transport. The review recommends that this rule be abolished. Another key change proposed is a reduction in the distance rules. Currently a primary pupil must live at least 3.2 km form their school to qualify for a bus place under the school transport scheme. It is being proposed that this will be amended to 2km and then 1km , subject to funding.

A post primary pupil must currently live at least 4.8 km for their school to qualify for a bus place and it is proposed that this will be reduced to 2km, depending on funding.

If implemented, the above changes will significantly expand the number of pupils who may qualify for the scheme. However, ongoing difficulties in finding more buses and drivers mean that it is unlikely the rules of the scheme will be amended in time for the 2024/2025 school year and that the changes will evolve over the period up to 2030.

Currently the fee for a primary school child under the scheme is €50 and for a post- primary school child is €75 with the maximum fee for a family is €125. It is expected that this fee structure will remain in place for the 2024-2025 school year

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