Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1992

Vol. 424 No. 1

Written Answers. - Wexford School Transport.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

101 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education if, pending the outcome of the investigation into the question of provision of special educational facilities for severely and profoundly mentally handicapped children in the Wexford area, he will sanction the provision of school transport for a child (details supplied) in County Wexford who attends St. Claire's Day Care Centre in Wexford Town, a distance of some 30 miles from her home; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. S. Brennan)

The day care centre referred to by the Deputy is not an educational establishment and, accordingly, my Department is not involved in the provision of transport.

Bus Éireann has reported, however, that the child can be accommodated from a pick-up point 250 yards from her home on special school transport already operating to Our Lady of Fatima Special School. A special seat and harness is, however, required for the child. My Department has contacted the day care centre which is seeking to make the necessary arrangements.