Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

384. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the exceptional interim grant for parents of children in special schools who have not received school transport. [56579/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

Unfortunately, difficulties have arisen in a number of locations, with a small number of contracted services, where it has not yet been possible to provide vehicles/drivers.

Both the department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for children with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore receive an interim Special Transport Grant (STG). This is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is intended to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until the service starts.

Letters regarding this grant are issuing to families on a daily basis and will continue to issue over the coming weeks.

If the Deputy is aware of any families who have not been contacted, they can contact officials in the School Transport Section of my Department, using the Customer Contact Form () where they will be happy to assist.