Vol. 510 No. 3
395 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is inadequate supervision in respect of a school transport service (details supplied); when this matter will be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22302/99]
I am aware of the difficulty to which the Deputy refers. My Department recently allocated funding to schools to facilitate the appointment of escorts on all special school transport services. The school to which the Deputy refers was included in this allocation and received £19,980 to facilitate the appointment of four escorts on the bus routes serving the school.
Many of the schools in question have already confirmed that they are proceeding with the appointment of escorts to their special transport services. However, some schools have expressed concerns regarding their involvement in the operation of the scheme and have not yet appointed escorts. I understand that the board of management of the school to which the Deputy refers has yet to decide its position on the matter.
At a recent meeting with representatives of the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education, which represents the special schools, I repeated my belief that the most appropriate people to operate the escort scheme are the schools which are catering for the children on a daily basis and are familiar with their needs and behaviours.
At the same time, I recognise that individual schools may encounter particular difficulties in putting their escort scheme in place. I have therefore arranged for officials from my Department to meet with the National Association of Boards of Management of Special Schools in an effort to resolve any outstanding problems. I can assure the Deputy that my Department will make every effort to accommodate schools in their implementation of the scheme.
