Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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235. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a special education school transport grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49033/18]

John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.

In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were 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 at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.

The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability.

Children are generally eligible for school transport where they satisfy the Department's criteria and are attending the nearest placement that is resourced to meet their special educational needs.

Eligibility for school transport is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers. Decisions regarding transport eligibility are based on the prevailing circumstances at the time of first enrolment.

School Transport Section is currently consulting with the NCSE regarding the additional information submitted and they will liaise directly with the family when this process is finalised.