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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

27 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the issue of the non-payment of school bus escorts during holiday periods; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties which this causes in the recruitment of such staff and the financial hardship for the existing escorts; and his plans in this regard. [2756/02]

Funding amounting to €4.17 million is being expended in the current school year to facilitate the appointment of escorts on all special transport routes conveying children to and from special schools and special classes attached to ordinary schools. The special school transport service now extends to more than 630 individual routes.

The boards of management of the schools participating in the scheme are responsible for the recruitment and employment of the escorts. My Department provides an annual grant of €6,553 for each escort. The hourly rate payable to escorts is €5.97 and escort duties would not normally exceed a total of four hours per day. The level of funding provided per escort should, therefore, be sufficient to meet holiday pay entitlements and other costs associated with the operation of the scheme.
The operation of the escort scheme is kept under review by my Department and any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure the effective ongoing operation of this important service.
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