1508. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a taxi escort service will be put in place without delay on a route (details supplied) given that there is a taxi escort available for the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63597/26]

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

Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by private contractors. They advise that the service referred to by the Deputy was re-tendered in the summer of 2026; however no contractor has been sourced to date. The service is currently being sent to tender again and once a suitable contractor has been sourced, the service will re-commence.

Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for children with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore receive an interim Special Transport Grant (STG). This is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is intended to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until the service starts. School Transport Section in my Department will contact the family with further details of the grant.