Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

778. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made on a school transport request for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1225/22]

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 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 eligible for transport where they have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability and 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 (NCSE) through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO). 

In July 2021, an appeal in respect of this application was lodged with the School Transport Appeals Board.  This appeal is due to be heard on 20th January and the Board will liaise directly with the family regarding the decision of the appeal.