Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

318. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the significant increase in new autism spectrum disorder classes anticipated in September 2025, whether his Department will consider implementing a fast-track application process for the local area hackney driver licence to ensure the timely and adequate provision of school transport services for children with additional needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25893/25]

Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

319. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport given that applicants for a local area hackney driver licence must submit an analysis of transport needs and a confirmation letter signed by a senior local authority official, the measures being taken to prevent delays in obtaining these documents in view of the significant increase in new autism spectrum disorder classes anticipated in September 2025 across the Roscommon-Galway constituency. [25895/25]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 318 and 319 together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including local area hackney licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.

In relation to the School Transport Scheme, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Education, I have been informed that the purpose of the School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remotely from their nearest school. 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. I have asked my officials to consider if the local needs assessment, currently being undertaken by local authorities, is the best way to ascertain the information needed. I intend to keep this under review.

Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department of Education 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.

As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors. The transport services provided under the scheme for pupils with special educational needs are dedicated services from the pupil's home to school. In this regard, Bus Éireann procure services when they are advised by the School Transport Section within the Department of Education that a pupil requires a service.

The Department of Education engages with Bus Éireann on a daily basis in relation to policy and operational matters. Challenges in sourcing drivers and contractors has been reported in all transport sectors. Bus Éireann continue to engage regularly with existing contractors, and are currently running a comprehensive national, social and local media campaign to advertise for more school transport contractors and drivers into the scheme.

Targeted campaigns seeking taxi/bus operators takes place through NTA bulletins and mailing lists of registered licensed operators. As part of the wider focus on contractor and driver requirements, a taskforce has been established which is being chaired by the Department of Transport to address these shortages nationally.

Given the NTA's role in the issuing of LAH licences, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.