Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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643.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on school transport arrangements for an individual (details supplied); if a reply can be provided to the person’s parents, given they have been unable to make contact with the relevant offices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31430/24]

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 traveling 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.

For families who wish to make an application under the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs; the National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special needs.

Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, my Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special 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.

The local Bus Eireann office has confirmed they have been in contact with this pupil’s family and discussed this pupils transport.

This pupil has been scheduled on a service for the upcoming year and this will commence on the 26 August 2024. An escort has been confirmed to travel on board with the pupil.