Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2014
168. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transport in respect of a student, details supplied, in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36016/14]
View answerUnder the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs. The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. The school this child is attending is not the nearest school resourced to meet her educational needs and therefore she is not eligible for school transport to this school. However, Bus Éireann has advised that the child is availing of transport on a concessionary basis. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the school of their choice, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest school.
