asked the Minister for Education if he is aware of the circumstances in regard to the provision of transport in County Laois for mentally retarded children attending the school at Portlaoise; if these children have hitherto been called for at their homes; whether he has now made a regulation to the effect that they are no longer to be called for but must assemble at various points on the road some distance from their homes; if he is aware that this new arrangement is unsatisfactory having regard to the mental and physical strain which will be imposed on the children concerned; and if he will ensure that, in future, they will be collected at their homes, particularly since no additional cost will be involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Transport.
24.
The routes sanctioned by the Department were based on information regarding the location of the children's homes which was supplied locally. It has now been brought to my attention that this information is in some respects inaccurate. I am, therefore, having the whole question investigated and expect that arrangements which will not impose undue hardship on any child can be worked out.