Families who paid for school transport fees are set to receive refunds at the end of the school year, it has been announced.
The payments will cover the period of school closures and will be issued once the exact length of time is confirmed.
Minister for Education Joe McHugh said: “We know that parents, particularly in rural areas, were seeking clarity in relation to refunds while schools were closed. I am happy to confirm refunds will issue later this year when we know the precise amount of time lost in schools.”
The Department of Education has also announced that school bus contractors will continue to receive a 50% payment while schools are closed in this academic year.
Following the initial announcement that schools would be closed until 29 March 2020, and in light of the exceptional circumstances, it was agreed that school transport contractors would be paid at the normal or full rate for that period.
It was then decided that a payment of 50% would be afforded for the week commencing Monday 30 March 2020 until now. This 50% payment will be extended whilst schools are closed in this academic year as a result of the public health restrictions.
Parents are also reminded that applications for the school transport scheme for the next school year close today, Friday April 24.
