Question to the Minister of Education

Minister's Answer

I do agree with that. That is why I outlined what a 10-year capital programme for special educational needs provision would look like, not least in establishing new schools but in enhancing provision in mainstream settings. Where children are able to avail themselves of their local school that will inevitably reduce the requirement for long-distance transport and the associated costs. The EA has looked at the current provision through its contracts with taxi drivers. It has identified means by which it has been able to reduce the costs by almost £1 million. I understand that, for some taxi firms, that reduction in payment is a challenge. However, my responsibility and that of the EA is to transport children and young people to their school setting at the best possible cost.