Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Senator and congratulate her for raising a matter on behalf on an individual. They are the people who need most help. If my reply does not deal with the issue I will further it to improve the situation.

I stress that school transport is a very significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills and covering more than 82 million kilometres annually. Approximately 113,000 children, including more than 8,000 children with special educational needs, are transported in approximately 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.

Under the terms of the Department's school transport scheme for children with special educational needs, children are eligible for school transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of special education needs organisers. The child referred to by the Senator is not attending her nearest school and is, therefore, not eligible for school transport. She is availing of transport on a concessionary basis. Under the terms of the scheme, routes cannot be extended nor can additional cost be incurred in facilitating children availing of concessionary transport.

However, Bus Éireann has advised that, following consultations with the school, parent and bus contractor, a later pick-up time on the morning service has been agreed. This arrangement commenced in May and Bus Éireann is continuing to monitor the situation.