asked the Minister for Education if he is prepared to provide transport to and from schools for the mentally handicapped, particularly for eight such children resident in Clondalkin, County Dublin.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Mentally Handicapped Children.
68.
As stated in my reply to the Deputy's question of 23rd April, 1964, my Department gives grants towards the cost of special transport services for the conveyance of day pupils to certain special national schools for mentally handicapped children. The grants are calculated on the basis of the costs incurred and vary from school to school.
I have not received any application for such a grant in respect of the children mentioned in the Deputy's question.
Can the Minister say what proportion of the total cost of transport is grant?
It varies from place to place. I have not the figures. I am having the matter considered at the moment with a view to improving the position.
Can the Minister see any possibility of free transport for mentally handicapped children?
An improvement would, I think, be the first step. Free transport might be the ideal but I do not know that it would be a priority in relation to the medical facilities available for these children. As I say, I am considering improving the grants.
There are only a dozen questions left.
We are prepared to agree to finish them.