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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 May 1970

Vol. 247 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Transport.

33.

asked the Minister for Education if he will outline the school transport arrangements available to mentally handicapped and slow learning children attending special schools on a daily basis.

Transport services are sanctioned by my Department to all the special schools catering for mentally handicapped children at which day pupils are in attendance. In every case where transport is warranted it is provided. Slow learning children are not enrolled in special schools. In many of the large national schools a special class is provided for such children. In the matter of transport the normal conditions applicable to transport to national schools apply to them.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that in every case it is possible to get transport on a daily basis for mentally retarded children?

The Deputy will appreciate that mentally retarded children are scattered over wide areas. The Department contribute up to £3 per week towards the cost of each. Apart from the fact that such children live in scattered areas, there is also the problem that where possible we do not want to drive them more than 20 miles to school and back. The Department are endeavouring as far as possible to meet needs where they arise.

Could the Parlialiamentary Secretary say if in a case where it is not possible to arrange transport the Department will subscribe the £3 per week?

That is so.

34.

asked the Minister for Education whether he will be prepared to extend the school transport scheme a distance of six miles in the Coolroe and Aglish areas near Ballyhar, County Kerry to cater for additional children attending Faha national school in the parish of Milltown, as outlined in previous representations made.

The feasibility of providing transport for the children in the areas in question to Faha national school is being investigated. I expect to be in a position to give a decision at an early date.

35.

asked the Minister for Education the present position relating to the application for free public transport for children attending Ramalough national school and Kilsarcon national school in the parish of Killeentierna, Farranfore, County Kerry; and if he will expedite a favourable decision on the matter.

Transport services to Ramalough and Kilsarcon national schools have been approved and CIE are making the necessary arrangements for the establishment of the services.

Question No. 36 postponed.

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