Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 October 2025
446. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will urgently examine the case of a student (details supplied); the status of the bus route assigned to them given Bus Éireann will not answer repeated attempts to contact them; and if she will ensure that suitable transport support is provided to enable regular and safe school attendance. [54919/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra447. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Youth if he will urgently examine a case involving a young child (details supplied) with complex medical needs who is currently without access to appropriate school transport; the status of the bus route assigned to the child given repeated unsuccessful attempts by both the family and this Deputy to obtain a response from Bus Éireann; and if he will ensure that suitable transport arrangements are put in place to support the child’s regular and safe attendance at school. [54922/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 446 and 447 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Bus Éireann are required to tender services in line with procurement guidelines and are responsible for the allocating and Garda vetting clearance of a contractor to operate this service.
Bus Éireann have advised that a contractor has now been sourced and that this pupil commenced on transport on the 08/10/2025.
In such circumstances where there is no existing suitable service available to meet a child's needs, and while Bus Éireann are in the process of establishing the service for the child referred, the Department will offer an Interim Special Transport Grant (STG) to families of eligible children towards the cost of private transport arrangements. This is based on the number of days attended from the date of application until a suitable service becomes available. The family has been contacted in this regard.
