Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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 is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.

Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).

Where a Parent/Guardian or pupils who have reached the age of 18 years, are dissatisfied by a decision made in relation to an application for school transport services, they can submit an appeal to the School Transport Appeals Board.

Appeals should be made on-line to the School Transport Appeals Board, who operate independently of the Department of Education.  They provide an independent, accessible and fair appeals service with regard to decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes .

Further information in relation to School Transport appeals can be found at www.schooltransportappeals.ie