John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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534. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a school transport route (details supplied) will resume; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61720/25]

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.

Bus Éireann has advised that the service in question was handed back by the contractor. This service is now currently in the procurement process. Once a suitable contractor has been sourced this service will re-commence.

Bus Éireann will liaise with families directly with regard to this matter at that stage.

Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore apply for the Special Transport Grant which is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the families had put in place until services are finalised.

Officials in the School Transport Section will contact the families directly with regards to this grant.