Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 October 2012
128. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any requirements on his Department to ensure that arrangements put in place to transport children with special needs to school are suitable to the needs of that child. [45277/12]
View answer129. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that the transport arrangements are suitable in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45278/12]
View answer130. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has received an application for an individual transport grant from a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45279/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 128 to 130, inclusive, together.
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme, a pupil with special needs will be eligible for transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/ special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills criteria. The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Needs is to provide a reasonable level of transport service for children with a diagnosed disability and/or special educational need.
School transport services are operated by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department. Following receipt of an application for school transport, Bus Éireann advised that the child in question could be accommodated on an existing service at the times outlined by the Deputy in the details supplied. However, as the parent raised concerns regarding the suitability of this service, Bus Éireann has been requested to examine alternative arrangements and to submit a report. A Special Transport Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements may be provided at the discretion of the Department in certain situations including where Bus Éireann is not in a position to provide a transport service. The family will be advised of the position regarding the availability of school transport as soon as the report from Bus Éireann is received and considered.
