546. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be provided to a pupil with additional needs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34415/24]

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education.  In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.

The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.

Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.

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).

A service was sanctioned for the pupil in September 2023 but due to procurement issues no service was in place for the 2023/24 school year.

I am pleased to advise that the pupil has since commenced on a service with effect from 03 September 2024.

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 sourcing a dedicated service, the Department will offer a Special Transport Grant (STG) towards the cost of private transport arrangements. This grant is based on the number of days attended from the date of application until a suitable dedicated service becomes available. The family have been contacted with the details of the grant.