1287. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether provision exists within the school transport scheme for children with special educational needs for consideration to be given in cases where a child has become established in an educational setting that is meeting their needs, but where another suitable school is located closer to the family home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57258/26]

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. Decisions regarding transport eligibility will be based on the prevailing circumstances at the time of first enrolment.

Where a child changes school, a new transport application must be made for that school. The School Transport section will review this matter further on receipt of same.