Vol. 496 No. 6
409 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if pupils from western Duhal-low attending the special class in Charleville, County Cork, who currently have carers whilst travelling on the bus to the school will continue to have this service in the future. [23498/98]
421 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse his decision of 21 October 1998 in relation to school transport escorts for children with disabilities in respect of St. Anthony's and St. Bríd's special schools, Castlebar, County Mayo, in view of his announcement of 4 November 1998 granting automatic entitlements to children with disabilities; if he will ensure immediate right to education with the facility of school transport escorts for the children concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23643/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 409 and 421 together.
I can assure Deputy Creed that my Department has no proposals to cease its funding of existing escort services which have been put in place under the pilot scheme of escorts on certain school transport services.
I can also assure Deputy Kenny that I am very conscious of the need for an expansion of the existing escort service to address the type of situations to which he refers. I am currently giving active consideration to possible measures in this regard.
