Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
584. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education if she will examine a situation (details supplied) in which there is a lack of school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42570/21]
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 .
An application for school transport was received on behalf of the pupil referred to by the Deputy in my Department on 02 September, 2021 and forwarded to Bus Éireann for consideration. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that Bus Éireann has confirmed that this pupil can be accommodated on an existing service and sanction has been given for the pupil to commence on the service.
