Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Oct 2003

Vol. 571 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

264 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason school transport was refused to a person with autism from Dublin 11 (details supplied) in view of the fact that the child had already attended a pre-school unit in Our Lady of Consolation, Donnycarney and had been accepted to start junior infants there in September 2003; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no other school nearer to the person's home that can meet their needs; and if he will take immediate steps to restore this transport. [21433/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey)

My Department is not satisfied that the school concerned is the pupil's nearest suitable educational placement. The family has been advised of the name and location of the nearest suitable school, and transport may be considered by my Department to this school only. If the family are not satisfied with my Department's decision, they may appeal to the independent school transport appeals board. Application forms are available from my Department's school transport section, Tullamore, County Offaly.