Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason school transport arrangements are being altered in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; the reason this pupil cannot be facilitated with their existing transport arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36339/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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1One of the Department's objectives is to provide a reasonable level of transport service for eligible pupils to and from school. Bus Eireann, which manages school transport services on behalf of the Department, is responsible for the establishment, contracting and operation of those services in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The school transport service which was in place for the pupil referred to by the Deputy was not considered a reasonable level of service as it resulted in a reduced school day for the pupil in question. Bus Éireann has now confirmed that new arrangements have been put in place which allows the pupil attend a full school day.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he will approve an application for school transport for children with special needs (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36349/11]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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1Under the terms of my Department's School Transport scheme, a pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if he or she is attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class, special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills criteria. My Department was recently made aware of the change of address for the children in question and is liaising with the Special Education Needs Organiser and Bus Éireann with a view to reorganising transport arrangements.