Vol. 499 No. 2
166 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 454 and 455 of 15 December 1998 when the escorts will be made available to travel on special school transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2377/99]
My Department is currently engaged in planning for the introduction of escorts on all special school transport services. Arrangements will also be made for the provision of safety harnesses where required by children with disabilities using the services. I expect that my Department will shortly commence the process of sanctioning grant allocation to individual schools to facilitate the introduction of these supports on buses serving the schools. It is my intention that this process be completed as speedily as possible and before the commencement of the next school year.
