Michael McNamara
Question:180. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education if she will address a school transport matter in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47430/22]
View answerWednesday, 28 September 2022
Questions (180)
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, were 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 acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, my Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
I am pleased to advise that this pupil has been deemed eligible to the school they are attending. Bus Éireann advise they are currently undertaking the tender procurement process and are seeking to find a contractor to operate the service for the child referred to by the Deputy. Bus Éireann will be in contact with the family directly to confirm when a service has been established.