Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2019
216. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) who is entitled to free transport will continue to receive transport when they progress to second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7863/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
There are currently over 117,500 children, including over 13,000 children with special educational needs, transported in over 5,000 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 school that is resourced to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education, through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO).
A new transport application form is required when a child moves from a primary to a post primary school; children who are eligible for school transport travel free under the terms of the scheme.
In this regard, the family in question should liaise with the relevant SENO if they wish to apply for transport to the school referred to by the Deputy.
