Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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423. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the case of a child (details supplied) and the consequential effects for their family; and if a provision could be made to get the child transport for an initial period. [43529/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/2021 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

I understand that the child referred to by the Deputy was availing of a school transport service until the end of June 2021 and that the child is no longer attending the school to which he was availing of transport to.

School Transport Section of my Department has no record of  receipt of a new application to date for this pupil.  The family is advised to contact School Transport Section who would be happy to assist if they wish to discuss.