Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 7

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

293 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will fund the cost of providing escorts for children with special needs travelling on buses to special classes in view of a number of disturbing incidents which have occurred on such buses. [16955/97]

John Perry

Question:

303 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will immediately sanction funding for a transportation helper for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo in view of the circumstances of the case. [17115/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 303 together.

Since 1995, an annual allocation of £150,000 has been provided to fund the pilot scheme of grant-aid towards the provision of escorts on certain school transport services.

All applications for support under the scheme were carefully considered in my Department. It was decided that the pilot phase should focus on facilitating the appointment of escorts on services to special schools and special classes for children with physical handicap, and providing assistance towards the cost of escorts for pupils attending the special schools for hearing-impaired and visually-impaired children who travel long distances by bus and train at weekends.

The question of escorts for children with special needs travelling to special schools and special classes was one of the issues considered by the school transport review committee.

The committee's report was presented to my colleague, Deputy Willie O'Dea, Minister of State, in Septemer of this year. The report is currently being considered in my Department.

The outcome of this consideration will provide a basis for determining future approaches to the question of escorts on school services. I assure the Deputies that the issues which they raise will be considered in this context.