Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 July 2009
495 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that school transport is provided for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28317/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education has responsibility, through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for the establishment of special education facilities and for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs.
Under the terms of the school transport scheme for children with special needs, a child is eligible for transport if he or she is attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class/special school or unit that is, or can be resourced to meet the child's special educational needs under my Department's criteria.
In this case the application for transport indicates that the child will not be enrolling in the nearest such school. In that regard, my Department has requested the SENO to clarify certain matters in relation to the allocation of resources. The case will be reviewed in the light of the SENO's report.
