I propose to take Questions Nos. 472 and 512 together.
Grant assistance towards the cost of private school transport arrangements for the person referred to by the Deputy was approved by my Department in October 2003, to take effect from the 2003-04 school year. On 19 January 2005, on receipt of a further application in respect of this person, my Department approved the provision of a wheelchair-accessible transport service to the school concerned through Bus Éireann which organises the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department. It is understood, however, that the person's parents declined this offer on the grounds that the pick-up time of 8.45 a.m. was too early.
It is considered by my Department that all reasonable efforts have been made to facilitate the person concerned with a suitable transport service. The offer of a suitably adapted service remains available to the parents should they wish to avail of it.