I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 to 236, inclusive, together. The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability. Bus Éireann operate the scheme, on behalf of my Department and is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of service. In situations where Bus Éireann has concerns regarding the safety of an individual child, or the welfare of other children travelling on a service, alternative transport arrangements may need to be explored. In this regard, Bus Éireann works closely with the School Authorities and parents to ensure that all children are provided with a safe and comfortable service to and from school. Where incidents of misbehaviour or serious misbehaviour arise, which may for example threaten the safe operation of a school bus service, Bus Éireann's Guidelines for Discipline and Procedures for Dealing With Alleged Misbehaviour on School Transport outline the steps which may be taken depending on the nature of the incident and the protocols involved. Where practicable, and subject to consideration of cost and logistics, the Department will consider, based on information provided by parents/school authorities, the provision of specific/individual transport arrangements in circumstances where travel in the company of other children is not deemed feasible. My Department also provides funding to school authorities to employ escorts to accompany children whose care and safety needs require this level of support. In certain circumstances a Special Transport Grant may be offered to parents towards the cost of private transport arrangements where a child's age, behavioural difficulties or medical needs are such as to make the provision of a transport service impracticable. This grant may also be offered as an interim measure while Bus Éireann examines the availability of suitable services. Drivers of Bus Éireann school transport vehicles are required to satisfy a background vetting check conducted by the Garda Authorities. Route training and vehicle familiarity training is provided, along with refresher courses and other training courses such as advanced driving techniques and a disability awareness programme. Contractors, as bus operators in their own right, are primarily responsible for the training of their own drivers and satisfying statutory requirements in this respect, but notwithstanding this they are also obliged to ensure that their drivers attend training courses nominated by Bus Éireann.
