Vol. 436 No. 1
190 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that a grant covering the full cost of transport will be made available in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway who attends class for hearing impaired children in Galway city; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy.
The position is that it was not possible to provide this pupil with a home pick-up set-down service due to the high costs involved. However, as an alternative my Department sanctioned a transport grant, not exceeding £460 per school year, towards the cost of private transport arrangements to link up with the existing special service to the school. The level of grant offered is determined by reference to the distance the pupil resides from the pick-up point on the service. The exact amount payable will depend on the pupil's attendance.
My Department is reviewing this arrangement at present to see if further improvements could be made.
