asked the Minister for Education if he will restore the transportation facility for mildly handicapped children to St. Oliver's special school in Mallow, County Cork; if he was aware that when the decision was taken there were 15 children from the Fermoy-Glanworth-Mitchelstown area attending this school, the families of these children were not adequately informed of the decision and that at present the children have to be transported five to six miles to the nearest pick-up point; if he will review this matter taking the hardship on the children into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Cork School Transport.
195.
I understand that the Deputy is referring to the special classes for mildly mentally handicapped attached to Mallow Convent of Mercy national school.
I am aware that a special school transport service continues to operate from the Glanworth area to Mallow. This special service has not served the Mitchelstown area since the commencement of the current school year as my Department, in response to an application for such a facility, has undertaken the initiative of establishing a special class for mildly mentally handicapped children in Mitchelstown. As a result it is no longer necessary for pupils in the Mitchelstown area to undertake the relatively long journey to Mallow for special class facilities.
The provision of transport from the Glanworth area to Mallow is being continued. As there is no pupil residing in Mitchelstown or Fermoy now offering for transport to the special classes in Mallow Convent national school there is no necessity for a special transport service from these towns to Mallow. Should the Deputy be aware of any pupils in Mitchelstown or Fermoy seeking transport to a suitable special class I will have the matter examined.