School Transport Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

Ceisteanna (417)

Martin Ferris

Ceist:

417. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on an application for a special transport grant. [1251/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.

Currently in the region of 114,000 children, including some 10,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.

In general, children with special educational needs are eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream or special school that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills' criteria.

The child in question is eligible for school transport and the family has been sanctioned a Special Transport Grant (STG) for the 2016/17 school year.

My Department is examining the question of the STG for the 2015/16 school year and is continuing to liaise with the family in question.