Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - School Transport.

John Perry

Ceist:

1035 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 413 of 26 June 2001, he will authorise school bus service for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21359/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The family referred to by the Deputy resides 1.3 miles from the pick up point on the current route of service to the school in question. This is considered to be a reasonable and adequate level of service in the context of the general operation of the scheme. An application form for an extension to the service on medical grounds has been forwarded to the Deputy. The request for an extension will be re-examined when the completed form is returned.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1036 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will increase a transport grant in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [21374/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I am aware of the pupils referred to by the Deputy. I am pleased that my Department sanctioned an enhanced transport grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements for the pupils concerned at the start of the current school year. Arrangements have also been made with the family concerned to issue payments on a monthly basis.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1037 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will clarify the position regarding school transport for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [21375/01]

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1085 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make arrangements to provide an escort in respect of one person on a school bus for children with special needs (details supplied) in County Cork. [21736/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1037 and 1085 together.

I am aware of the pupil to which the Deputy refers. I understand that in the first week of the new school year, difficulties arose with the behaviour of the pupil on the special school transport service and consequently transport was withdrawn. However, as an exceptional measure, my Department has recently sanctioned an exclusive escort on transport to cater for the special needs of the particular pupil. A transport grant will be made available to the family concerned towards private transport arrangements for the three-week period during which transport was withdrawn.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1038 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a transport subsidy available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [21376/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

My Department has requested a report from Bus Éireann regarding the pupil in question. The Deputy will be advised of the position as soon as the report is received and assessed.