Vol. 433 No. 7
157 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the inadequate transport facilities for three children attending the girls national school in Castleblayney, County Monaghan; her views on whether it is acceptable, dignified and safe for these children not to have wheel-chair accessible transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department is very conscious of the problems raised by the Deputy in his question. However, because the incidence of disabled children is dispersed in scattered locations throughout the country, meeting their needs presents problems of special difficulty.
A very large investment in specially adapted vehicles would be required to give the children the sort of service one might wish, in addition, the running costs would be extremely high.
Bus Éireann do not have wheelchair accessible vehicles at their disposal. Similarly, private contractors are not prepared to invest in these vehicles because of their limited use.
Where it is not possible to provide suitable school transport, my Department is in a position to offer grant-aid towards the cost of private transport arrangements.
My Department is currently considering the possibility of improving the present situation. I will advise the Deputy of the outcome.
