Vol. 526 No. 2
132 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1125 of 3 October 2000, he will state the progress that has been made with regard to the school transport for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; if a favourable decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26107/00]
I understand that the child referred to by the Deputy currently avails of school transport but resides 1.2 miles from the current school bus pick-up point.
The position generally is that special transport arrangements may be considered where a child suffers from a severe medical condition, which would prevent him/her from making his/her own way to a pick-up point or school. Medical evidence has to be supplied in these cases.
Medical evidence was submitted by the family to my Department and forwarded to the medical adviser for consideration. The medical adviser has determined that the appropriate conditions do not apply in this case.
As the child is considered to have a reasonable level of service in the context of the general operation of the school transport scheme, and as extra cost would be involved, it is not open to my Department to extend the service as requested.
