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School Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022

Tuesday, 1 March 2022

Questions (467)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

467. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education when a person (details supplied) will receive their first payment under the school transport grant. [11091/22]

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Written answers

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. 

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for Children with Special Educational Needs.  Eligibility for school transport for children with special educational needs is determined following consultation with the NCSE through its network of SENOs.  

The child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs.

In circumstances where there is no existing service available, my Department will offer a Special Transport Grant (STG) towards the cost of private transport arrangements until a suitable service becomes available.  A special transport grant has been offered to the family referred to by the Deputy.

Payment of the STG is processed following receipt of parent bank details and a Statement of Attendance Form outlining the number of days a child attends for a period throughout the school year.  School Transport Section has advised that to date they have not yet received this information from the parent.

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