Robert Troy
Ceist:404. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if an application for a psychological assessment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [8275/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 17 February 2021
Ceisteanna (404)
Freagraí scríofa
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 113,100 children, including over 14,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
The purpose of the 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.
Children are eligible for transport where they have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability and are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs.
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 the above scheme and had previously been availing of a shared service.
The most recent recommendation from the SENO for the provision of an individual service for this pupil is currently being assessed by School Transport Section.
In the meantime, the family may avail of the Special Transport Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements.