Vol. 541 No. 4
139 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the problems which have arisen due to a change in policy in transferring responsibility for transporting severely handicapped children to day care centres without qualified supervision; and if he will have the previous situation restored. [22958/01]
The issue referred to by the Deputy has just recently been brought to my attention. I understand that the pupils referred to are currently attending special classes for children with severe/profound general learning disabilities. The children had been availing of a transport service provided by the local health authority prior to the start of the current school year.
Bus Éireann, which is contracted to operate the special school transport service, is now providing transport for the children in question. I understand that the school authorities have recruited an escort to travel on the service and that this arrangement is working satisfactorily.
