Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

67 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education if she will review the appointment of a supervisor to travel on the special school bus for handicapped children with special needs in view of the many accidents which are occurring on these buses and the number of times the children are becoming ill and are without the help of an assistant in view of the fact that the bus driver cannot come to their aid; if her attention has been drawn to the serious need for such an appointment to be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5916/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I recently allocated £15,000 under the pilot scheme of grant aid towards the provision of escorts on certain school transport services. Grants were paid to the management authorities of 14 special schools to assist in defraying the cost of engaging suitable persons to act as escorts on 38 services and to provide assistance towards the cost of escorts for pupils attending the special schools for the hearing-impaired and visually-impaired who travel long distances by bus and train at weekends.

Under the pilot phase of the scheme, the focus has been on special service conveying children with a physical handicap. It will be necessary to fully evaluate the operation of the pilot phase before considering any modification or expansion of the scheme. However, I can assure the Deputy that the needs of children attending all other special schools will be given every consideration in the event of any further expansion of the scheme being undertaken.