Robert Troy
Ceist:340. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide specialised school transport for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19761/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 2 May 2017
Ceisteanna (340)
Freagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
Currently almost 116,000 children, including some 12,000 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 however Bus Éireann has advised that there is no existing suitable service available to meet the child's needs.
In such circumstances, my Department has sanctioned a Special Transport Grant (STG) towards the cost of private transport arrangements.