Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

502. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transport for a child with an intellectual disability (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32924/15]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs children are eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs.

The provision of therapeutic services such as Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychological Services etc. which are matters for the Health Service Executive are not a factor in identifying the nearest recognised placement for transport eligibility purposes.

In this case, the child in question is not attending the nearest school that is resourced to meet his special educational needs and is therefore not eligible for school transport.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only subject to a number of terms and conditions including the availability of spare sets on an existing service and the payment of the annual charge; routes will not be extended or altered, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips be provided to cater for concessionary transport.