School Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 April 2026

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Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Questions (87)

Paul Lawless

Question:

87. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will outline the process and responsible parties for ensuring that appropriate safety measures, including clinically recommended restraint or harness systems, are put in place for a child (details supplied) with additional needs who has been removed from school transport on safety grounds; the reason for delays in securing clinical assessment and equipment; the body responsible for coordinating between the CDNT, SENO, school and Bus Éireann; the expected timeframe for reinstating transport once a safety concern has been raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28786/26]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth (Deputy Michael Moynihan)

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

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 acts in an advisory role to the Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO. 

In order to apply for a harness Special Education Section of my Department should the following from the school of attendance - a letter of request from the Principal, an Occupational Therapist Report outlining the need for a harness, and a quote for the cost to Special Education Section, Department of Education and Youth, Athlone, Co Westmeath.

The e-mail address for Special Education Section is [e-mail]  and the contact telephone number is [phone].

Bus Éireann has a dedicated call centre, should the family with to raise any particular queries in relation to transport.  

Families can call the centre at LoCall 0818 919 910. The phone lines are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Familes can also submit your questions to Bus Éireann online.

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