Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree. I said at the outset that the contribution of school escorts is invaluable. There is no doubt about that in terms of escorting children with additional needs to and from school. She is right and I referenced the SNA workforce development plan, which will include an examination of the interaction of the SNA role with the bus escort role. As the Deputy said, many individuals cross over into both roles. A review of the school transport scheme has recently been completed by the steering group with a high level membership of relevant Government Departments and other bodies, reflecting the importance of the scheme for access to education and other wider Government objectives.

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The school transport review has been conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and its sustainability and to ensuring that it services children and their families effectively and efficiently. The review has also given consideration to employment-related matters for school bus escorts. Consideration of how best to maximise the benefits now and into the future has been a significant factor in the review of the scheme. I am aware that the review is much awaited. It will be going to a Cabinet subcommittee and then on to the Government. That will all be completed.

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