Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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161. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider a request (details supplied) for school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20835/23]

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 of Education. In the current school year, over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.

In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 4,500 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.

The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.

Under the terms of the Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending their nearest recognised mainstream school or special school from where they reside, that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs.

The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers acts in an advisory role to the 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). The Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO).

School Transport Section can confirm that they have not yet received an application for School Transport under the School Transport for Children with Special Educational Needs Scheme for this child.

A parent/guardian should contact the school Principal of the school that their child is attending who will assist in making an application for school transport to the SENO that is affiliated with their school.