Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:232. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education when a school bus escort will be confirmed for a child (details supplied) who is currently without transport. [45224/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 15 September 2022
Ceisteanna (232)
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, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
Under the terms of my 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.
An application for transport for children with Special Educational Needs was recently submitted on behal of the pupil referred to by the Deputy. This pupil is eligible for school transport and Bus Éireann has been sanctioned to source an individual service to provide transport to and from school; they will liaise directly with the family in this regard.
Sanction has also issued to the school for an Escort for this transport service. The School Management Authority has responsibility for employing School Bus Escorts where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such to require the support of an escort.
In the meantime, the family can apply for the Special Transport Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements. The family can contact School Transport Section in my Department at: school_transport@education.gov.ie where officials will be happy to assist with any queries they may have.