Niamh Smyth
Question:533. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will make inquiries regarding the cuts in transport at a facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36848/20]
View answerTuesday, 17 November 2020
Questions (533)
Written answers
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2019/2020 school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 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 km at a cost of over €219m in 2019.
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.
Children are eligible for transport where they have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability in accordance with the Department's criteria and 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.
Based on details supplied by the Deputy, this facility is outside of the terms of the School Transport Scheme as it is not a recognised school.