Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019
220. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of the 52 children who were deemed to have satisfied the eligibility criteria for school transport with special educational needs living nearer to a mainstream school than the schools they are currently attending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44496/19]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2018/2019 school year over 117,500 children, including over 13,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €200m in 2018.
Under the eligibility criteria for School Transport with Special Educational Needs a child is eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest school that meets, or can be resourced to meet, their educational needs. Eligibility is determined in consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers.
The terms of the School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.
If the Deputy has any queries on an individual application he should contact the School Transport Section of my Department.
