Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:458. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth when school transport will be provided for a child (details supplied). [16630/26]
View answerTuesday, 3 March 2026
Questions (458)
Written answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme.
The pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible under the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme.
Bus Eireann has reported that the local office has confirmed that the pupil's service commenced on 03 March 2026.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for children with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore receive an interim Special Transport Grant. This is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is intended to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had to put in place until the service commenced. The family have been contacted directly by officials in the School Transport Section and provided with details of the grant.