Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2017
198. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) who is enrolled in a school has not been given a timeframe for when their school bus service will begin; the reason there has been a delay; the measures being taken to address the situation; when the bus service will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41847/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
During the 2016-17 school year almost 116,000 children, including some 12,000 children with special educational needs, were 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.
My Department received the application for school transport in September and the child in question is eligible for school transport.
Bus Éireann advised that the school transport service commenced this week.
