Emer Currie
Ceist:1261. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a transport-related issue (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2234/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 13 January 2026
Ceisteanna (1261)
Freagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education and Youth 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.
Bus Éireann has advised that at present there is no escort travelling on board this service as the pupils in question did not require same when they submitted their transport application.
An official of School Transport Section has contacted the school principal in question who has advised that they are not aware of any issues on the service and confirmed that currently no bus escort is required on the service.
If a school bus escort is required on a service, the standard practice is that a principal can contact School Transport Section directly and the request will be assessed by a member of the team. Information should be submitted for consideration through the Case Management System which can be accessed by following this link: cs.education.gov.ie
It is also open to the parents of the children in question to contact the local Bus Éireann office directly.