Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
441. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth to clarify the policy regarding transport provision for special schools; the reason a special school in County Mayo has had to fundraise for a school bus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33062/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. Bus Éireann are required to tender services in line with procurement guidelines and are responsible for the allocating and vetting of a contractor to operate this service.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with 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.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
Parents should contact their school principal who will assist in making an application for school transport to the SENO that is affiliated with the school the child is attending.
Further details of this scheme can be found on the Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/service/07a71-school-transport/#children-with-special-educational-needs.
