Seán Ryan
Question:157 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the need for safety belts for school buses; and the proposals, if any, he has for the equipment in this regard in all school buses. [18969/98]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
The use of seat belts in all public vehicles, including school buses, is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Rural Development.
Bus Éireann, who operate the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, are fully compliant with all relevant regulations as laid down by the Department of the Environment and Rural Development.
I would like to take the opportunity tor reassure the Deputy that the school transport scheme operated by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department is carried out with the safety of pupils as the primary consideration and takes precedence over all other aspects of the operation.
Seán Ryan
Question:158 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the need for special school transport from his home to school for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if this transport will be forthcoming. [18971/98]
I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers.
My Department seeks to arrange a home pick-up/set-down service for all children attending special schools or special classes. However, this does not prove possible in some cases due to the excessive costs involved; the distance or time factors involved; or the inability of the pupil to avail of a service because of the nature of his-her disability. In such cases, my Department offers a grant to the parents to help defray the cost of private transport for the child to the nearest pick-up point or to the school. The amount payable depends on the distance involved and the level of attendance of the pupil.
In the particular case in question, it was not possibel to arrange a home pick-up which would allow the child to be collected at a reasonable hour in the morning. In these circumstances, a transport grant was offered to the child's parents to help defray their costs in transporting him to the nearest pick-up point. However, I now understand that this arrangement is causing difficulty for the family of the child in question. I have asked my officials to review the transport arrangements for the child with a view to improving the service being provided.