Vol. 456 No. 5
90 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the terms of reference for the review group on School Transport; the membership of the review group; when the review group will report; the consultation procedures that will be followed by the review group; and the specific efforts which will be made by the review group to extend the accessibility of the school transport system to children with disabilities. [14216/95]
The terms of reference and the composition of the review group are set out in the following statement for the Deputy's information. It is expected that the first meeting of the review group will take place later this month. No date has been set for this group to report.
My Department will give public notice in due course, setting out the terms of reference of the review group and inviting submissions. All interested parties in the operation of the school transport service will be given the opportunity, as part of the consultative process, to put forward their views and would be most welcome to make submissions to the review group.
Special arrangements exist under the current terms of the school transport scheme to provide transport, usually by way of a special bus service, or a medical grant in lieu of transport, for children with disabilities. These arrangements will be considered by the review group in the overall context of the scheme.
Terms of Reference:
(a) To examine the effects of declining enrolments on the operation of the School Transport Scheme.
(b) To address any anomalies which have come to light, and to consider the possibility/advisability of revising catchment areas, if necessary.
(c) To review the arrangements for pupils in special schools, multi-denominational schools and All-Irish schools.
The Committee may also address a number of other issues which are a source of concern to parents and school authorities.
Composition
Chaired by an independent chairperson, the review committee will consist of:
(1) Department representatives from School Transport Section and Planning Section.
92 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education the cost of providing transport facilities for children with special needs; the number of children who benefit from the provision of these facilities; and the level of accessible provision required of transport operators. [14222/95]
My Department provides school transport for children attending special schools and classes on either scheduled or special services. The total expenditure on all school transport this year will be in the region of £40 million. Of this, approximately £6.5 million will be spent on providing school transport services for 8,500 children with special needs. This is a major commitment as these children represent only 5 per cent of all school children who avail of the school transport scheme.
My Department's transport agents, Bus Éireann, ensure that all vehicles used to provide the school transport service comply with all relevant Department of Environment and European Union regulations.
