School Transport Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2019

Tuesday, 9 April 2019

Ceisteanna (200)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

200. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application for school transport for children with special needs by a person (details supplied). [16166/19]

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.

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 generally eligible for school transport where they meet the Department's criteria and are attending the nearest recognised school that is resourced to meet their special educational needs.

Eligibility for school transport is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers. 

Eligibility for school transport for the child in question will be assessed when an application form is received.