Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be clear about the case raised by Deputy Conway-Walsh. Any child or young person with a special educational need, for example, a child who is visually impaired, has an entitlement. I will be honest that in some areas there have been difficulties in recruiting additional drivers or procuring additional buses. There are no two ways about it, but that is notwithstanding the absolute entitlement of a child with an additional need to a place on the bus. In fact, children and young people with additional needs can apply for school transport at any time throughout the year, such is the determination of the Department to ensure they are catered for. I will look into the case the Deputy raised. It may be an issue of availability of transport or bus driver. In the interim, a grant is available to the family. I am happy to take the detail and look into it.