277. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which a parent can access the school transport scheme for children with special educational needs; and to make a statement on the matter. [66713/26]

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

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.

Parents should contact their school principal who will assist in making an application for school transport to the SENO that is affiliated with the school the child is attending.

Further details of this scheme can be found on www.gov.ie/schooltransport.