Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

705. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she can assist with an urgent matter in relation to school transport for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63012/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.  

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 pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of the above scheme. However, in order to progress the application, further details are required. School Transport Section has contacted the parent to request these details and once received School Transport Section will liaise with the family in regard to transport arrangements for this child.