206. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the provision of specialised school transport for a person (details supplied); if a new service will be implemented; and if so, the timeframe for this new service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66127/26]

The pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible for transport under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, and a new service has been sanctioned by my department.

Bus Éireann is 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 for the pupil referred to will commence and Bus Éireann will liaise with family directly at that stage.

Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. In such circumstances where there is no existing suitable service available to meet a child's needs, and while Bus Éireann are in the process of sourcing a specialised school transport service, the Department will offer a Special Transport Grant (STG) to families of eligible children towards the cost of private transport arrangements based on the number of days attended from the date of application until a suitable dedicated specialised service becomes available.