139. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there are supports available to a designated special school to purchase a specialised vehicle to transport students to and from the school; if this will be considered as part of pre-budget talks for inclusion as a right of additional needs children to have access to their school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38096/26]

Enabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided.

This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.

My Department does not provide direct funding to schools to purchase a vehicle for students, and instead provides support to students and families by way of the School Transport Scheme, delivered via Bus Eireann. The key focus of this scheme is to provide for the transport of students to and from school each day.

The School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs supports the transport to and from school of children and young people with special educational needs in line with the criteria set out in the Department of Education and Youth.

To be eligible for school transport under the above Scheme;

(i) The required professional report(s) submitted must meet the Department of Education and Youth criteria for attending the relevant setting and

(ii)  the child/young person must be attending the nearest recognised mainstream school or special class/special school, or a unit which can be resourced to meet their special educational needs

The NCSE 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).

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.

Further details of this scheme can be found on the Departments website: www.gov.ie/en/service/07a71-school-transport/#children-with-special-educational-needs

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.