Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

73 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to implement the recommendations contained in the special reports published by his Department in relation to school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3687/99]

Transport arrangements for pupils with special needs, in particular the provision of escorts and safety harnesses, were identified as a priority area in the school transport review report, published in January 1998. I am pleased to confirm that, in response to the recommendations in this report, my Department will receive an additional £3.4 million over two years to provide escorts on school buses for pupils with special needs, and to provide safety harnesses where necessary. This is a most welcome and significant development that will improve the overall standard of service for these pupils, and will come into effect in 1999. The report, which dealt with a broad range of transport issues, included other recommendations that are still under consideration within my Department.

Top
Share