1216. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth what are the plans to address the number of children that are not receiving school transport ahead of the back to school time in September. [61502/26]

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

Under the current terms of the mainstream School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Where a child is not eligible for school transport, but the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated. These seats are called concessionary seats.

There may be more demand than availability for concessionary seats. In such cases, Bus Éireann will use a selection process to allocate tickets for the spare seats.

Under the terms of the 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 through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.

When the transport application has been processed by School Transport Section and it has been confirmed that the child is eligible for transport, their details are submitted to Bus Éireann who will then advise what transport options may be available.

An interim Special Transport Interim Grant is available to families of pupils who are eligible under the terms of the SEN scheme and are waiting on a service to be put in place. The grant is offered from the date of application to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family have to put in place until a service is ready to commence.