1544. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of pupils receiving school transport to a special school or special class who have scheduled journeys of more than 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes respectively, in each direction; the longest scheduled journey currently undertaken by a pupil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63998/26]

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

Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs.

The National Council for Special Education 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).

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.

Bus Éireann are required to tender services in line with procurement guidelines and are responsible for the allocating and vetting of a contractor to operate each service. Once a contractor has been sourced, the service will commence and Bus Éireann will liaise with families directly at that stage.

In the 2025/26 school year, over 24,000 children and young people travelled on dedicated school transport services for children with special educational needs. For the 2026/27 school year, over 5,700 applications for new pupils have been received to date, and applications continue to be received on a daily basis throughout the year.

Journey times for children and young people travelling on school transport services are not recorded, it is recognised that some journeys may take longer than others. However, specialised school transport is generally only provided to pupils who are attending their closest school that is or can be resourced to meet their needs.