Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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414. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department can address a case where a child with a disability (details supplied) is experiencing difficulty accessing school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37409/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, 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 and Youth.

The Scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs. Transport is also provided for children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine and those residing in IPAS/EROC centres.

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.

An application for school transport for children with special educational needs for the child referred to by the Deputy has been received and School Transport Section of my Department is currently assessing the application. Bus Éireann and School Transport Section of my Department will liaise with the family directly with regard to this matter when the application has been assessed.