Tony Kett (Fianna Fail)

On Tuesday, Senator Ulick Burke suggested the school buses ferrying children to and from schools should be audited. I agree such an audit should take place if the NCT procedure carried out on the buses is not adequate. However, I raise the issue for a different reason. With the mainstreaming of children in schools, many children with a disability are now being ferried to schools on school transport. Special schools have their own dedicated buses fitted with clamps for wheelchairs and straps to secure children. Do any school buses have these features which do not form part of the national car test? Perhaps this question should be examined as part of an audit.

Will the Leader ascertain the progress made on the sectoral plans envisaged under the Disability Act? Last week, I read in a newspaper that compliance under Part M of the building regulations, which relates to house-building, stands at just4%. As Senators are aware, Part M has been in place for years. If compliance is so low after so many years, I fear for the sectoral plans.