Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2013
466. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm who has the legal responsibility to provide school transport in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; the procedures and protocols in place regarding the removal of transport services to children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17166/13]
View answerThe policy parameters of the School Transport Scheme are set by the Department and the scheme is administered by Bus Éireann in accordance with that policy. The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability. The safety of schoolchildren carried on services provided under the School Transport Scheme is of paramount importance to both my Department and Bus Éireann. In circumstances where the behaviour of a child on board a school transport service has the potential to undermine the safety of the child themselves and/or the safety of other children being carried, the safe operation of the service itself, or the safety of other road users, Bus Éireann has a responsibility to take immediate steps to restore a safe environment on board that service.
The withdrawal of school transport facilities is a reluctantly taken final option exercised when all other options have been tried without success. In this particular case Bus Éireann tried a number of different methods to provide suitable transport for the pupil in question including the changing of vehicles, the provision of an exclusive service and the assistance of escorts. Regrettably these proved unsuccessful. Where a service is withdrawn, a Special Transport Grant is offered to parents towards the cost of private transport arrangements.
