Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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84. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if school transport will be provided in September for a person (details supplied). [30014/24]

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 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.

The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.

The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.

A service was sanctioned for the child referred to by the Deputy for the 2023/24 school year. Unfortunately there was a delay in the commencement of the service due to difficulties sourcing a contractor. However Bus Éireann advise that the service is ready to commence for the beginning of the 2024/25 school year and the local office will liaise with the family regarding the arrangements.

Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore avail of the interim Special Transport Grant. Information about the grant has been communicated to the family by the School Transport Section in the Department.