Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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226. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a school transport scheme application by a person (details supplied) that has been ongoing for more than a month will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43508/19]

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 2018/2019 school year over 117,500 children, including over 13,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €200m in 2018. 

Under the terms of the Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for school 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.  Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers.

I am pleased to advise that following the recent change of address the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of the above scheme and Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil will commence transport on the 21^stof October.  Bus Éireann has confirmed that they have been in contact with the family in regard to the arrangements.