Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 July 2014
222. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for school transport, taxi-escort service or a grant for transport in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Laois with autism to a school will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32223/14]
View answerThe School Transport Section of my Department has not received an application for school transport for the child referred to by the Deputy for the 2014/15 school year. The Deputy will be aware that children with special educational needs are eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills' criteria.
Eligibility for school transport is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO). In this regard, the family in question should liaise with the relevant SENO should they wish to apply for school transport.
