Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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448. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if school bus escorts are entitled to be paid to attend mandatory, full-day child protection training courses that special needs assistants are paid for under the Croke Park Agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54933/25]

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.

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.

There is a facility within the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs for the appointment of a School Transport Escort where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.

It is recognised that School Bus Escorts play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs in their journey to and from school.

The Board of Management/ETB are responsible for the employment of the School Transport Escort. The Department of Education provides grant funding directly to the school for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay. This grant funding is also provided when a School Transport Escort is required to attend training for the hours/days required.

This can be claimed back by the school authorities through the reconciliation form that they return each year to the School Transport Section of my Department. If school staff have any further queries, they can contact officials through the following Customer Contact Form where they will be happy to assist.