Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
371. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 169 of 7 February 2024, to provide an update on when a person (details supplied) will receive a personal transport service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11758/24]
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 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
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.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Bus Éireann are required to tender services in line with procurement guidelines and are responsible for the allocating and vetting of a contractor to operate this service.
In such circumstances where there is no existing suitable service available to meet a child's needs, and while Bus Éireann are in the process of sourcing a dedicated service, the Department will offer a Special Transport Grant (STG) towards the cost of private transport arrangements based on the number of days attended from the date of application until a suitable dedicated specialised service becomes available. School Transport Section of my Department has issued an STG sanction letter to the family referred in this regard.
Bus Éireann have advised that they are continuing to seek a transport service for the pupil mentioned by the Deputy. The service has been advertised in line with procurement legislation, the first tender process resulted in zero applications for this route. The service is currently out for tender again. The Local Bus Éireann Office have advised they will review any bids received once the closing date has passed in the coming days and will liaise directly with the family referred when a service is available.
