Criteria For School Run Transportation for Special Needs Children Tightened Up

Criteria Significantly Tightened Up for Free Transport as Department Strive to Meet 15% Savings

In an effort to reach their 15% savings target the Department of Education and Children have been forced to review the system of providing transportation to and from school for children with special educational needs.

Out of the 60 applications for this school year only 36 have been successful with 4 up for review; in the past 91 children have been accommodated for.

The reasons for unsuccessful candidates predominantly came down to if the individual lived within the catchment area of the School with the preference given to those who lived outside of the catchment area.

It was also discovered that some of the families who were benefiting from the free transport were also receiving  a high rate mobility allowance for their child, which is provided to cover costs for things like transport.

Minister Eddie Teare has said there has understandably been some angry responses to the new hard line they're taking, but ultimately he says there has been a good understanding as to the reasons behind it.

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