Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Transport.

John McGuinness

Question:

405 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if transport arrangements will be made for persons (details supplied) in counties Carlow and Kilkenny who were withdrawn from their school at Old Leighlin, County Carlow, due to incidents involving a teacher; if an investigation will be made into the incidents which have been reported to the board of management and his Department; if a reply will be given to letters of complaint dated November 1998 and January 1999 sent to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4407/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

My Department received a request in January 1999 for financial assistance towards transport arrangements from one of the families referred to by the Deputy. My Department is examining the matter and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome in due course.

Letters of complaint dated November 1998 were sent to the board of management of the school in Old Leighlin. Copies of these letters were forwarded by the board to my Department for information purposes. Other than the letter regarding transport referred to above, my Department has no record of any letters of complaint in January 1999 regarding this school. I understand that the board of management, in accordance with proper procedures, has investigated complaints against a teacher in this school, and that the outcome to the investigation has been communicated to the parties involved. In the circumstances, there is no basis for a further investigation by my Department.

Willie Penrose

Question:

406 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide appropriate transport facilities for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4408/99]

Paul McGrath

Question:

409 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the support services available to the parents of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has been diagnosed autistic and is taken daily by his parents to an appropriate school, covering a distance of 86 miles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4463/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 409 together.

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers. I understand that, because of the absence of any suitable school transport service, my Department approved a transport grant of £1,500 to assist the parents of this child with private transport arrangements to the school in Leixlip, County Kildare. However, I also understand that the parents have recently requested the introduction of a special school transport arrangement to convey the child to the school. Given the location of this child's residence, it would be desirable for all concerned if suitable education provision could be made available in County Westmeath to meet his needs. At present, my Department's inspectorate is actively pursuing the establishment of special classes for children with autism in the Westmeath area. I expect decisions on these new classes to be taken shortly. I have requested my Department to seek to accommodate the child in question in any facility which may be established in County Westmeath.