Ms Shirley Kearney:

I will certainly look into the issue raised by Deputy Murnane O'Connor but, as Ms Mannion stated, if it is a disability service as opposed to a recognised special school or mainstream school with special classes, it may be outside the scope of the school transport scheme. All transport services for special schools and special classes have fully resumed for all children who require those services. Additional funding has been agreed by the Government for the additional hygiene and cleaning measures that are required on transport services such as PPE equipment for school transport staff. In cases where we have provided extra services, with the implementation of 50% social distancing on post-primary services, we have provided funding for the employment of additional school bus escorts as well. If Deputy Murnane O'Connor sends me and email, I will follow up on her query.

Regarding her query on buses, am I correct in saying that it is a mainstream bus but that it is a child with special needs who requires the service? Again, all of those services resumed yesterday but if there is a specific issue, I would be more than happy to follow it up. If the Deputy can email me the details, then I will do so.