Gerry Adams
Question:233. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transport in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Louth. [44198/12]
View answerTuesday, 16 October 2012
Questions (233)
Written answers
The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Needs is to provide a reasonable level of transport service for eligible children with a diagnosed disability and/or special educational need.
Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the child, referred to in the details supplied, was availing of a school transport service but following a serious incident in June 2012 the service was withdrawn on health and safety grounds.
The family were offered a Special Transport Grant to cover the cost of private transport arrangements while Bus Éireann examined the provision of a more suitable service. Bus Éireann has advised that the school authorities and the parent were fully informed of the situation regarding transport provision.
An application for an individualised transport service for this child was received on 21st September 2012 and a report on this application has been requested from Bus Éireann.
The family will be advised of the position regarding the availability of school transport as soon as this report is received.