Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if school bus escorts will be compensated for their loss of earnings due to enforced school closures on polling days, such as 8 March ; if the practice of not compensating these low paid workers will be reviewed details supplied ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. In the current school year over , children, including over , pupils traveling on primary and post primary services, 19, pupils with special educational needs, and 6, pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The Department of Education provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay. School Transport Escorts are paid an agreed hourly rate for each hour worked. School Transport Escorts are recommended that to engage directly with their employer in relation to any queries they have.
It is recognised that School Bus Escorts play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs in their journey to and from school. The School Transport Section in the Department are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of matters as they relate to the escort and the information provided to schools.
An information pack for schools is being developed and will be reviewed and updated regularly. As part of this comprehensive review the terms of employment and rate of pay for school bus escorts are also being examined, and the Department will continue to keep the rates under review. As the Deputy is aware a review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately.
As part of this review one of the actions outlined is that pay rates for School Bus Escorts is to be reviewed in full by the end of Normal View. Clear search. Share this page. Tuesday, 9 April Questions Brendan Griffin. Brendan Griffin Question: Minister for Education. Previous Answer Next Answer.
