Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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560. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of school transport for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50669/21]

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 the Department's 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.

In general, children with special educational needs are eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest school that is 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 (SENO). 

The child referred to by the Deputy is eligible and I am pleased to advise that a new service has been sanctioned to cater for the child.  Bus Éireann has confirmed that a contractor has been awarded the contract following a procurement process and that the service will be ready to commence Monday 18th October.