Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 100: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45126/10]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Needs a child is eligible for transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised special school, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills criteria. The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Needs is to provide a reasonable level of transport service for children with a diagnosed disability and/or special educational need, who because of the nature of their disability, may not be in a position to avail of a school bus service.

The pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, is eligible for school transport to her nearest recognised special school which is resourced to meet her special educational needs. The pupil is not eligible, however, for transport to the school in question as this school is not the nearest recognised special school that is or can be resourced to meet the child's special educational needs. My Department is revising the existing policy on school transport to allow concessionary transport for children with special needs through the special school transport scheme in certain circumstances. It is envisaged that the revised school transport scheme for children with special needs incorporating concessionary transport for pupils with special educational needs will be in place at the commencement of the 2011/2012 school year.