Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when it is expected that full transport services will be restored for children attending special schools throughout north Kildare in view of the fact that parents are currently delivering and collecting their children at the same time as the special bus which is not available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30323/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when school transport for children with special needs in mainstream primary and second level schools and special schools, including those in young adult services, will be restored throughout north Kildare and countrywide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30329/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra229. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when it is expected that full transport services will be restored for children attending special schools throughout north Kildare in view of the fact that parents are currently delivering and collecting their children at the same time as the special bus which is not available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30324/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra230. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills when school transport for children with special needs in mainstream primary and second level schools and special schools, including those in young adult services, will be restored throughout north Kildare and countrywide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30330/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 211, 212, 229 and 230 together.
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. During the 2015/16 school year in the region of 114,000 children, including some 10,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in approximately 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.
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.
There has been no reduction in the level of school transport services for children who are eligible for school transport under the terms of the above scheme. However, Bus Éireann has advised that they are processing a number of late applications for the current school year and they are liaising with the school authorities and the families.
The Deputy should be aware that Special Schools funded by my Department are intended to cater for children and young persons with special educational needs from 4 years until the end of the school year in which they reach their 18th year.
At that point, the Department of Health/Health Service Executive assumes direct responsibility for young adults with special educational needs who are over 18 years.
