Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
302. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the status of a transport application for a pupil (details supplied); when a decision will be made on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30890/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There has been an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the current 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
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, the 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.
All school transport services are reviewed over the summer months. Children who are eligible for school transport will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
An application was received for the pupil referred to by the Deputy on 7th June 2023. I am pleased to advise that this pupil has been deemed eligible for school transport to the school they are attending. Bus Éireann and School Transport Section of my Department will liaise with the family directly when transport options have been assessed by Bus Éireann.
