Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Austin Currie

Question:

454 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science if the position in relation to supervision on buses transporting children to special schools has changed as a result of the budget or any other development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27834/98]

David Stanton

Question:

455 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, he has made in relation to providing escorts on school buses of special needs children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27906/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 455 together.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that provision has been made in the recent budget for an allocation of £1.7 million in each of the next two years to facilitate the provision of escorts and safety harness for children with disabilities travelling on special school transport services.

This allocation is additional to the £150,000 currently expended annually on the pilot escort scheme on special transport services.

I am satisfied that this substantial increase in funding will allow my Department to address current needs for escort and harness provision in the special school transport service.