Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 September 2021
369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if financial assistance towards special transportation can be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44695/21]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2020/21 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
Under the terms of my Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for school transport where they have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability and are attending the nearest recognised school/class that is 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.
School Transport Section of my Department has no record of receipt of an application to date for this pupil. A parent/guardian should contact the school principal of the school that their child is attending who will assist in making an application for school transport to the SENO that is affiliated with their school.
The family may also contact School Transport Section who would be happy to assist if they wish to discuss.
