Austin Currie
Ceist:436 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide escorts on school buses to special schools and specifically to a special school (details supplied) in Dublin 20. [20472/98]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
I can assure the Deputy I am very much aware of the need to extend the existing escort scheme on special school transport services. I am currently giving consideration to possible measures in this regard. The present pilot phase of the escort scheme is focused on facilitating the appointment of escorts on services to special schools for children with physical disabilities, and providing assistance towards the cost of escorts for pupils attending the special schools for hearing impaired and visually impaired children who travel long distances by bus or train at weekends. The needs of the school to which the Deputy refers will be given every consideration in the event of any expansion of the escort scheme.