School Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2012

Thursday, 16 February 2012

Ceisteanna (82)

Terence Flanagan

Ceist:

78 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8932/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (Deputy Ciarán Cannon)

The child referred to by the Deputy applied for school transport under my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs. Under the terms of this scheme, children are eligible for transport where they:

have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability in accordance with the designation of high and low incidence disability set out in Department of Education and Skill's (DES) Circular 02/05 and

are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs.

However, this child does not meet the above criteria and is not eligible therefore for school transport.