Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2025
409. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there has been a change to the school bus place application process for children with special educational needs; if she will outline the process for September 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36147/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs remain the same for the 2025/26 school year. Under 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 (NCSE) 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 is attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class / special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Youth criteria.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the NCSE through its network of SENO.
Parents/Guardians 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 Departments website, gov.ie/schooltransport.
