Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
896. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education her views on whether it is in the best interests of a student who is mobility-impaired to travel with his or her siblings and friends in the same vehicle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43113/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
The purpose of the SEN Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the scheme 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 unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs.
Bus Éireann on behalf of the department arrange the provision of SEN transport for each applicant, the care and safety needs while on school transport are considered in each case. Specific transport arrangements are provided in certain circumstances based on the individual needs of the child.
If the Deputy wishes to make enquiries regarding a specific case, please contact school_transport@education.gov.ie where officials in my Department will be happy to assist.
