Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply. I have in mind two cases that have been brought to my attention which are probably a reflection of general issues with the scheme. In one of those cases, a pupil who was travelling to post-primary school for the first time applied for special transport and was accommodated on the taxi service that was being run to and from the school in question. Unfortunately, due to the child's needs, the arrangement did not work out and the parents have been doing the school run themselves. They have tried to switch from the taxi service to the special grant that is available for children with special needs but are finding it hugely difficult to get their application processed and obtain clear guidance on the matter from the Department. There should be some mechanism within the Department to deal with such applications. The Minister outlined the funding figures and the changes that have happened.

However, it is a specialised type of transport for children who cannot travel with other children, for whatever reason.

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