Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
701. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education her views on the inability of some students with special educational needs at a school (details supplied) to secure school transportation; the consequences of this for the students’ education; the measures being taken to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38708/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There was an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 132,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the same time last year. This number of tickets has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education 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.
A pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class / special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education’s criteria.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
Bus Éireann has reported in recent days that unfortunately, for a small number of families assigned to Special Educational Needs transport services, a number of difficulties have arisen in some localities with contracted services. This includes families in the Tipperary region.
These services were secured for the 2023/2024 school year however, Bus Éireann was informed at the last minute that due to driver/contractor unavailability, services could not commence as expected.
These services are not cancelled, and the Bus Éireann School Transport team is working intensively to ensure that transport arrangements are put in place as soon as possible. Bus Éireann is engaging with families where transport was sanctioned and where there may be delays in securing a new service. A Special Transport Grant is available to families who are eligible and for whom a service is not yet in place.
School Transport Section of my Department have contacted the Deputy’s office seeking further details on the pupil’s affected in the area as Bus Éireann require this information in order to provide a detailed report. Further information can be submitted to school_transport@education.gov.ie.
