Vol. 452 No. 8
176 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Education the amount of money that will be made available this year to provide an escort service on school buses for children travelling to special schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8914/95]
A total of £150,000 is being made available in the current year towards the provision of escorts on certain school transport services. The objective will be to facilitate the provision of escorts on the basis of priority of need. My Department is currently assessing the applications received for escorts and it is intended to advise the successful applicants in the near future.
177 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Education her views on the effect of the lack of school transport for a student (details supplied) with disabilities in County Cork; the plans, if any, she has for improving transport facilities for children with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8917/95]
The special transport needs of the child in question have been reviewed and I am pleased to advise the Deputy that my Department has authorised Bus Éireann to make immediate arrangements to provide a home pickup for this student each morning. The possibility of also introducing a home set-down arrangement for the afternoon is being investigated. Initial indications are that the position may be complicated by the need to avoid serious inconvenience to other children using the service. However, I will advise the Deputy of the outcome as soon as possible.
My Department provides transport facilities for children with special needs to attend their nearest special school or special class, where this can be done within reasonable cost limits. Where suitable arrangements cannot be made, a transport grant is payable towards the cost of private transport arrangements.
