Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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656. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when transport provisions will be restored to children and adults attending special schools who require supervised transport facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7194/16]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that Special Schools funded by my Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year.

At that point, the Department of Health/Health Service Executive assumes direct responsibility for young adults with special educational needs.

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 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.

My Department also provides funding to schools for the employment of escorts to accompany children whose care and safety needs require this level of support while they travel to and from school.

Should the Deputy have queries regarding specific services for children with special educational needs I will be happy to provide more detailed information.