School Transport Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 June 2014

Wednesday, 25 June 2014

Questions (86, 87)

Dara Calleary

Question:

86. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the situation that exists in relation to school transport whereby an application for transport is based solely upon an applicant's initial application; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the case of a student who subsequently changes school, that student's application for transport is still based upon their initial application; his views that this rule is particularly discriminatory towards special needs students who may have to change school due to circumstances beyond their control; if he will make provisions to have this rule changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27577/14]

Dara Calleary

Question:

87. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will re-examine the circumstances of a special needs student (details supplied) in County Sligo who has been denied school transport; if he will change the eligibility criteria to make it more favourable towards students in similar circumstances to the student concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27578/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.

In general, children with special educational needs are eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school or unit that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills' criteria. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers. Decisions regarding transport eligibility are based on the prevailing circumstances at the time of the child's first enrolment and not on the basis of when an application for school transport is made.

The child referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport as she did not attend the nearest school that was resourced to meet her educational needs at the time of her enrolment. Officials from my Department have met with the parents of the child in question and have explained to them the terms of the scheme and how their application for school transport was assessed.