Cost of hiring taxis for pupils with special needs approaching €80m

Of the total cost of the scheme, over 50% is allocated to the provision of services for children with special educational needs through a combination of vehicles including buses, mini-buses, and 2,300 taxis. File Picture: iStock

The cost of transporting pupils with special needs to schools in taxis has more than doubled in four years to almost €80m.

The State spent €37.9m on taxis in 2020. However, the amount paid out last year had jumped to €78.9m.