Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary, post-primary and special needs pupils availing of the school transport service in each year from and including 1996/97 to date for each group; the cost of the service in each year; the parental contribution in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14319/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The number of pupils availing of school transport services in a school year varies from time to time. Accordingly, the figures below are averages of pupils availing of the service within the years mentioned.

Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to supervision being provided on a school bus for special needs children (details supplied) in County Galway travelling to St Joseph's special school, Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14320/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funding to special schools to assist in defraying the cost involved in engaging a suitable person to act as an escort on a school bus.

When the escort scheme was introduced some years ago, my Department was prepared to provide funding to St. Joseph's special school, Galway, for the purpose of employing escorts. However, the board of management indicated that it was unable to administer such a service.

My Department is still prepared to provide funding to the board of management of St Joseph's special school if it decides to participate in the scheme, in which case an escort can then be considered for the bus in question.