Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
565. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that the provision of school transport prior to the school reopening given that persons (details supplied) were only informed on 25 August 2021 that provision for their children will be delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42356/21]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/2021 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
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 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. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers .
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that Bus Éireann has confirmed that that pupils referred to have been accommodated on a school transport service.
