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.