To ask the Minister of Education to outline the provisions in place when emergency transport has to be used to minimise the distress to pupils with learning disabilities.

The Education Authority (EA) has confirmed that it operates a pool of spare vehicles that can be used in the event of a breakdown and alternative drivers are available should a regular driver be unavailable.

An assurance is also required from private contractors, as part of the tendering process, to confirm that suitable contingency arrangements are in place to deal with breakdowns etc. The nature of these contingency arrangements can vary but typically most private operators will also have spare vehicles and drivers to call on at short notice.