519. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will urgently review the case of persons (details supplied); if she will intervene with Bus Éireann to allow the existing taxi service to accommodate the two children concerned without further delay; and the reason administrative approval has not yet been granted given that transport has already been sanctioned by her Department. [64599/26]

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.

Where a child who has previously deemed eligible under the scheme changes home address a new application must be submitted. Parents should contact their school principal who will assist in making an application for school transport to the school’s SENO.

Following a change of address for the pupils referred to, new applications have now been received. I am pleased to advise that the pupils are eligible for school transport to the school they are attending and Bus Éireann has advised that this service has now commenced.