182. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to transport issues impacting July provision at a Cork school (details supplied); and if a plan has been put in place to allow children attend in July. [50187/26]

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

The school referred to by the Deputy has approached the department in relation to supplementary funding required for the employment of additional school bus escorts. Department officials have recently met with the school principal, Board of Management and Patron in this regard and continues to engage with the school directly on the matter.

School transport services for the Summer Programme 2026 may be available to pupils who normally avail of transport under School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) during the school year.

All schools that registered for the Summer Programme 2026 were required to submit the details of pupils who required SEN transport to School Transport Section in the Department. These details were then forwarded to Bus Éireann who endeavour to arrange transport for those pupils.

Bus Éireann has advised that drivers and vehicles are ready to operate these SEN services for the Summer Programme 2026.

There is a facility within the SEN scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of one.

The Board of Management/ETB are responsible for the employment of the School Transport Escort. The Department provides grant funding directly to the school for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay.

As the escort is employed by the Board of Management/ETB, they are therefore responsible for all employment related matters relating to the escort.

If a school transport service cannot be provided due to no service or escort being available, the Department can offer families a Special Transport Grant (STG) for the days that their child attended school.