Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
345. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a decision will be made for a school transport application for a child (details supplied) to travel on SEN transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47299/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 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.
School Transport Section of my department has advised that an application for School Transport for Children with Special Educational Needs has been received for one of the children referred to by the Deputy to the school referred and they have been deemed eligible for school transport. Bus Éireann is currently assessing this application. School Transport Section has further advised that they have not received an application for the sibling referred to by the Deputy to the school referred.
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.
