I have outlined in previous replies to the Deputy's Parliamentary Questions that children availing of concessionary transport must make their own way to the catchment boundary. The position in this case is that a child with special needs is picked up at home in accordance with the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Needs. The bus then proceeds to the next pick up point which is close to the catchment boundary.
While I understand the Deputy's concerns, I would remind him that the children in question are not attending the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside. They are availing of concessionary transport for which a separate application is made and is only approved once all eligible children are accommodated. Such approval is given on an annual basis. Children availing of concessionary transport cannot be facilitated in the same way as children attending a post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside. In that regard, the most that can be offered is concessionary transport from the catchment boundary.
My reply of 13th October set out the general rules which apply to the post primary transport scheme. In this case, due to the fact that the special needs child is being collected at home there would currently be no extra cost or re-routing of the service involved. I will ensure that this particular aspect of concessionary transport is considered as part of the Value for Money Review.
