Vol. 562 No. 4
232 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if transport and a personal assistant will be provided for the journey for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who must travel from their home to a special school in Cork; if his Department can assist in any way in view of the fact that CIE does not have a wheelchair accessible service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6158/03]
The provision of services for the pupil in question is being examined in my Department at present. I have asked that the matter be expedited and the Deputy informed of the position as soon as possible.
233 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if the inadequate bus service available to students of Thomastown National School, Kilkenny will be reviewed; if he will report on a meeting between the parents association and a person (details supplied) to determine if a solution can be found to the problems raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6159/03]
The main objective of the school transport scheme is to provide a basic level of service for children who live long distances from school, and who might have difficulty in making a regular attendance. My Department strives to achieve this in the most efficient and cost effective manner. As a result, buses are normally required to operate a number of runs at both primary and post-primary level. This is to provide a basic service while achieving optimum value from scarce resources.
The travelling and waiting time for pupils on services to the Thomastown primary schools is within my Department's guidelines of a maximum of 1.5 hours daily. I have asked, however, that the matter be reviewed and the Deputy informed of the outcome as soon as possible.
