Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 4 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 5

Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.

Enda Kenny

Question:

125 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements he has made to supply school escorts and general child care assistance in respect of St. Bríd's special school, Castlebar, St. Anthony's special school, Castlebar and St. Nicholas's special school, Ballina; if his attention has been drawn to the submissions made by the Western Care Association and school principals in this regard; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that one terminally ill child was tragically bereaved in the past few days and a number of other children who require particular care and attention have been in hospital since the Christmas period; if he will make an immediate announcement concerning extra resources and employment of the school escort service sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3107/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I can assure the Deputy that I fully appreciate the concerns he expresses and his desire that an escort service be made available to the schools in question as speedily as possible.

My Department is currently engaged in planning for the introduction of escorts on all special school transport services, including services cater ing for children attending the schools to which the Deputy refers. Funding to achieve this was provided in the social inclusion package announced by the Minister for Finance in the budget.

I expect that my Department will shortly commence the process of sanctioning grant payments to the schools in question to facilitate the provision of escorts on buses serving these schools.

I am also aware of the case put forward by these schools and the Western Care Association in support of their request for additional child care support. My Department is currently considering this application and I would be hopeful that a response will issue shortly.