Seymour Crawford
Ceist:431 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education when a reply will be given to correspondence (details supplied) from Deputy Seymour Crawford in relation to proper transport facilities for physically handicapped children.
Written Answers. - School Transport for Physically Handicapped.
I very much regret the delay in responding to the Deputy's earlier representations. This arose because my Department is engaged in ongoing efforts to arrive at a resolution of the problem. The Deputy will appreciate that the special transport needs of such children, coupled with their wide dispersal throughout the country, present particular difficulties.
A very large investment in specially adapted vehicles would be required to give the children the sort of service one might wish, and, added to that, the running costs would be extremely high. Bus Éireann do not have specially adapted vehicles at their disposal, apart from a small pilot scheme in Dublin city. Similarly, private contractors are not prepared to invest in these vehicles because of their limited use.
Where it is not possible to provide suitable school transport, my Department is in a position to offer grant-aid towards the cost of private transport arrangements. In the case in question, grant support for private transport arrangement is being paid in respect of one of the children involved, while the other two are availing of special school transport services. However, I know that this arrangement is not entirely satisfactory.
My Department is currently examining the possibility for alternative arrangements based on increased grant support to meet the special needs of this case and I will advise the Deputy of the outcome as soon as possible. I should also mention that the Special Education Review Committee, whose report I expect very shortly, has been considering the question of school transport for handicapped children. I will be giving the committee's recommendations early consideration, in order to ensure that the needs of such children are responded to in the most positive way possible.