Noel Dempsey
Question:86 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Education when she will approve a scheme for the provision of escorts on buses to special schools in Navan, County Meath. [13740/96]
Written Answers. - School Bus Escorts.
I have no plans at present to extend the pilot scheme of grantaid towards the provision of escorts on certain school transport services. In 1995, I allocated a sum of £150,000 for the pilot phase of this scheme. All applicants for support under the scheme were carefully considered by my Department.
It was decided that the pilot phase should focus on the following areas: services conveying children to special schools for the physically handicapped, 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. In 1996, a sum of £150,000 has also been made available for the operation of the scheme.
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 the children attending the special schools in question will be given every consideration in the event of any further expansion of the scheme being undertaken. The School Transport Review Committee, established earlier this year, has been asked to review the arrangements for pupils in special schools. The provision of escort services will form part of this review.