Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

School Transport Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2019

Tuesday, 19 February 2019

Ceisteanna (233)

John Lahart

Ceist:

233. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school bus transport application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8165/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

School 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.

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 resourced to meet their special educational needs.

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 and these children may apply for school transport in accordance with the terms of the above scheme.

The Department of Health/Health Service Executive assumes direct responsibility for young adults with special educational needs who are over 18 years.

The person referred to by the Deputy is 19 years old and is therefore not eligible for school transport under the terms of the above scheme. Bus Éireann has also advised that no application for school transport has been received.

Barr
Roinn