Written answers

Tuesday, 12 July 2022

Department of Education and Skills

Special Educational Needs

Photo of Thomas GouldThomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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533. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application for the special needs transport grant (details supplied). [37032/22]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma 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 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 and the relevant school transport application was received for this pupil in March 2022. The pupil was then assigned to a transport service to their school of attendance.

The family in question contacted School Transport Section in April 2022, requesting the pupil be considered for a Special Transport Grant instead of a service. On review of the request, which included supporting documentation and following a consultation with Bus Éireann, School Transport Section have offered the Special Transport Grant to the family. School Transport Section of my Department are happy to assist the family with any further queries they may have. They can be contacted at: school_transport@education.gov.ie.

Photo of Alan DillonAlan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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534. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of full school-based summer programmes in 2022 for special schools and classes in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37038/22]

Photo of Josepha MadiganJosepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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In May 2022 the Government announced this year's Summer Programme to allow all primary and post-primary schools to offer a summer programme for students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.

The programme aims are to support pupils to maintain their connection with education, to build their confidence and increase their motivation, promote well-being and for those who are at key transition stages, helping to ensure they continue their education journey in September either in school or in further/higher education or training.

Building on the 2021 programme, all primary and post primary schools can offer a summer programme and in line with last year’s funding, there is up to €40 million available to provide for this year’s programme.

A key objective of this year’s scheme is to increase the number of schools offering the summer programme to their students. Steps have been taken to afford schools as much flexibility as possible, and to ease administrative requirements.

An online registration portal was available for schools to register their participation in this year’s programme with a closing date of 9 June 2022, and it remains open for schools to contact the Department in respect of the Summer Programme. Indications are that over 1,000 schools will participate in this year's programme compared to 945 in 2021. Final numbers of participating schools will be available later in the Summer.

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