James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on transport provision for a child attending an autism unit (details supplied); the costs pertaining to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8627/13]

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme, a pupil with special needs is eligible for transport if s/he 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. 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. A Special Transport Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements may be provided at the discretion of my Department in certain situations including where Bus Éireann is not in a position to provide a transport service. The family referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied has recently been advised of the position regarding the Special Transport Grant.