Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
413. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Education and Youth the eligibility of pupils with autism to school transport, in particular, in a situation where a pupil’s school placement is unsuitable, and the pupil is required to change schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71313/25]
View answerUnder the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs.
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.
A pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class or special school that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Youth criteria.
When a child is changing school, and still requires school transport under the above scheme, a new application must be completed by the family and the school principal, who will then forward to the SENO.
Once the SENO has completed their section of the form, they will forward it to the School Transport Section of the Department for consideration.
