To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 32916/22-27, to detail the criteria used for exceptional circumstances appeals, where transport assistance is requested.

The Department of Education’s Home to School Transport Policy states that it is for the Education Authority (EA) to consider any case which is thought to be outside the provisions of the policy, and that such cases should be, by their very nature exceptional.

The EA’s policy in relation to appealing for transport assistance on the grounds of exceptional circumstances is published on its website. The EA does not provide a definitive list of criteria which qualify as exceptional, rather it considers each application on its individual merits, and it is the responsibility of the parent to submit all facts, circumstances and evidence to the EA to demonstrate the exceptional nature of the case. The EA’s policy offers guidance and examples of evidence required and it may request further information from parents where necessary.