Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Michael Bell

Question:

353 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve the application from the parents of children with special needs in the Cooley Peninsula, County Louth; if his Department will have arrangements made for a special minibus to be provided for the 14 children involved who attend schools in Dundalk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20263/97]

Michael Bell

Question:

377 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will provide minibus transport for 14 children with special needs in the Cooley Pennisula, County Louth who attend schools in Dundalk; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these children require supervision and fitted seat belts for their safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20256/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 377 together.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that arrangements are currently being made to provide a special transport service for the children in question. The new service will be in place as soon as Bus Éireann has completed the normal tendering process.

The question of escort supervision for children with special needs travelling on school buses and the question of seat belts for such children, were among the issues considered by the school transport review committee. That committee's report was recently presented to my colleague Deputy Willie O'Dea, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science. The recommendations put forward in the report are currently being examined in my Department.