Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----to recognise one centre. That is not to say it will not, however. I think it will consider this following the Deputy's contribution. There is certainly an argument for a more streamlined approach, bearing in mind the criteria, difficulties and challenges parents are facing and the stress delineated by him.

I would surmise that because this review is ongoing, this is something that will be looked at. As I said earlier, my understanding is that recommendations will be coming shortly from the steering group, which will be looking at school transport in general terms around eligibility criteria, trends, cost drivers and all that kind of thing to assess the overall effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the schemes.

I also hear what the Deputy said around children with additional needs. We are looking at special schools. We opened three special schools in the past two years - one in Carrigaline, County Cork and two in Dublin. We will always endeavour to provide special schools where they are needed if there is not capacity.

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