Vol. 415 No. 9
100 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education the reason his Department find it impossible to extend a school bus route by a mile and a half from Straffan to Ardclough in County Kildare, thus enabling 12 students to avail of school transport to Scoil Mhuire community school in Clane; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I understand that some parents in the general area in question propose to send their children to Clane post-primary centre which is not their appropriate centre for transport purposes. The most that can be offered to such children in respect of their attendance at Clane is concessionary transport from the catchment boundary of their appropriate school.
This concession would apply only to basically eligible pupils and is subject to spare seats being available on existing services and no extra cost.
If the Deputy would care to give the names and addresses of the children in question, their eligibility will be confirmed by the local transport liaison officer.
101 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education the measures he proposes to take in relation to children attending special schools where children require supervision on the transport provided because they are a danger to themselves and others; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department currently meet the return transport costs of escorts for visually impaired children attending St. Joseph's and St. Mary's special schools on a residential basis. This facility can be availed of on up to seven occasions during the year and covers journeys associated with holiday and mid-term breaks.
