School Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2006

Tuesday, 12 December 2006

Ceisteanna (430)

Olwyn Enright

Ceist:

449 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide details following her response to Parliamentary Question No. 447 of 7 November 2006; if transport is being organised by Bus Éireann or her Department; the check or investigation carried out in relation to the original question before reply; if she will confirm receipt of correspondence of 14 September 2006 regarding this case; the reason a response has not been issued; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this child is autistic and special arrangements for transport have to be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42374/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Bus Éireann operates the School Transport Service on behalf of my Department. Routes are planned in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, pupils have a reasonable level of service, while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

Bus Éireann have informed my Department that the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied is availing of a shared taxi service from home to school. This is regarded as a reasonable level of service to meet the transport needs of the child.