Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

97. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason appropriate school transport cannot be provided to persons (details supplied) in line with their health needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49660/17]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.

Currently over 114,000 children, including over 11,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.

In general, children with special educational needs are eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school or unit that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills' criteria.

The children referred to by the Deputy are eligible for school transport and Bus Éireann has confirmed that a school transport service has been established to bring the children to and from school; my Department has also sanctioned the employment of an escort to accompany the children on this service.

However, I understand that there are additional concerns regarding the care needs of the children while they are travelling to and from school.

In this regard the parents should continue to liaise with the school authorities and their local Bus Éireann office.