Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

School Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022

Wednesday, 14 September 2022

Ceisteanna (312)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

312. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the case of a school (details supplied) that facilitates a class within the mainstream setting for hearing impaired primary school students, who travel from across Limerick city and county, that has no school transport facility leading to a number of these hearing-impaired students being unable to attend school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44706/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.

Bus Éireann have advised that a new service is required to facilitate the school referred to by the Deputy, however following the procurement process they have further advised there were no successful tenders.

Under the terms of the Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for school transport where they have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability and are attending the nearest recognised school/class 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.

Bus Éireann have confirmed that they are still in the process of securing an operator locally and as soon as one has been secured the service will be established.

Barr
Roinn