Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 September 2022
273. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Education when a child (details supplied) will have a change of address confirmed by her Department on the school transport scheme bus ticket, given the urgent need for this service. [47207/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current 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.
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of SENOs.
I am pleased to advise that 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 from their new address.
Bus Éireann has advised that there is no existing suitable service available from the new address to accommodate the child. In such circumstances, my Department will offer a Special Transport Grant (STG) towards the cost of private transport arrangements until a suitable service becomes available.
A special transport grant has been offered to the family referred to by the Deputy.
Where a family is not in a position to avail of the special transport grant, they are advised to notify the School Transport Section of my Department in writing by completing the STG Return Form which is attached to the STG Letter. School Transport Section who will in turn liaise with Bus Éireann toward the establishment of a service.
