Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the SEN aspect, I want to be really clear because I have a special interest in the area of special education. The option to travel on mainstream transport, as distinct from special education transport, is only an option. I wish to clearly state that it will be a matter for parents and guardians to decide what bests suits the child. Through the consultation process some parents came forward and said they would like to choose whether their child could avail of the mainstream transport or whatever. I think that it should be their choice but it will always be a choice. Where it is the preferred option to have the special education transport scheme, that will remain in place. I do not want there to be any doubt around this matter, and that is the only reason I have clarified the matter.