Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
564. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if the bus service that served schools (details supplied) can be reinstated to a two-bus service, with one for each school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54662/22]
View answerSchool 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, individual transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) 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.
Routes are planned by Bus Éireann and seats are assigned to pupils based on their location and existing services in the area.
My Department is currently in discussion with the above referenced schools regarding the shared services that cater for these school and will continue to work closely with the schools on the matter.
