Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 6

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Phil Hogan

Question:

389 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 395 of 9 November 1999, the manner and programme in which his allocation of £19,980 was spent by St Patrick's special school, Kilkenny, in view of the fact that it was stated in his reply that this finance was sanctioned for the purpose of providing helpers on the school transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26862/99]

Dick Spring

Question:

393 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education and Science the action, if any, he will take to resolve the ongoing difficulties in relation to appointing escorts to buses bringing children with special needs to schools. [26965/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 389 and 393 together.

The school referred to by the Deputy Hogan is one of a group of schools which have refrained from appointing escorts to their special transport services pending the outcome of discussions between my Department and the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education. The discussions in question were aimed at addressing concerns which had been expressed by some schools at taking on responsibility for the escort scheme. Particularly the administrative burden involved.

The funding allocations made to all schools in respect of the escort scheme were based on an assumed escort duty of six hours per day for each escort and provided for the employment of escorts for the full school year from September 1999 to June 2000.

Arising from the discussions with the national association, my Department has now written to all the schools in question advising them that savings arising from escort duties being shorter than the six hours per day provided for in their allocations and savings arising from the later than anticipated appointment of the escorts, may be used by schools to acquire administrative assistance with the implementation of the scheme.

I am satisfied that the savings in question will be of significant assistance in enabling the schools in question to secure any administrative support they require to implement the scheme. I now look forward to the remaining escorts being appointed as soon as possible in the interests of the children concerned.

Enda Kenny

Question:

390 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 588 of 2 November 1999, he will report on the school transport for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [26866/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The report I referred to in my reply to Dáil Question No. 588 on 2 November last has not yet been received. My Department has been in contact with the transport liaison officer to expedite the matter. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.