Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Oct 1996

Vol. 469 No. 7

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Austin Deasy

Question:

59 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide additional finance for the provision of school transport for children in the County Waterford area who have secured places in a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary which will cater for their special needs. [16535/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach):

I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy. My Department is currently engaged in urgent efforts to put suitable transport arrangements in place for the children in question.

My Department makes every effort to provide school transport for children attending special schools and classes on either scheduled or special services. However, in some instances this is simply not feasible due to particular circumstances such as excessive cost; too long a distance; or the inability of a child to avail of a service because of the nature of the disability. In such cases my Department offers a grant to the parents to help defray the cost of private transport arrangements. The amount payable depends on the distance involved and the level of attendance of the pupils.

The children in question have been enrolled at a special class for pupils with speech and language disorder which has been established at the school mentioned by the Deputy. A total of eight children have enrolled in this class.

Because of the dispersed locations of the children in relation to the special class, it has not proved possible to arrange a transport service to the class. Neither have the children's parents found it possible to make alternative arrangements within the limits of the grant assistance offered in this case. In view of these developments and in order to facilitate the children in question, my Department is urgently examining ways of overcoming the present difficulty. I would be hopeful that a satisfactory solution can be devised in the near future.