Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
433. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the reason a child (details supplied) was not sanctioned for a school transport grant in view of the fact that they have complex needs; if the decision will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24935/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2019/2020 school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €219m in 2019.
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability.
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 Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
The child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs.
In April 2019 a service was sanctioned for the child referred to by the Deputy. Bus Éireann has advised that the service in question was declined. A special transport grant has been offered to the family referred to by the Deputy.
