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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

School transport findings

Summary

Deputy Nolan says promised findings on school transport have not appeared and describes a recent meeting as a deflection from the real issues. The Taoiseach refers the matter to the Minister for Education and Skills, who says the scheme has a fixed budget and that finding solutions is difficult.

I want to raise again with the Taoiseach the issue of school transport again. I raised the issue a month ago and was told the findings would be published. We still have no findings. I attended a meeting with Bus Éireann officials last week along with the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, Deputy Halligan, and many other Deputies from rural constituencies who are experiencing serious problems with this issue. The meeting was nothing more than a deflection from the real issues at play. The meeting was to discuss communication problems between public representatives and Bus Éireann. This is not good enough. The elected members of Edenderry municipal district in County Offaly wrote to the Minister of State about this issue at least one month ago but they have received no reply. This is another example of rural neglect. These are rural communities with no public transport. Children are being dropped off at school at 7 in the morning and this is just not good enough. We need the review published as soon as possible because this issue is unacceptable and it will not go away. I will keep agitating.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

The Minister of State, who is dealing with this, is not present. Perhaps the Minister for Education and Skills might like to comment on it.

Comment on this
Richard Bruton Minister for Education and Skills Fine Gael

This scheme has a budget of €175 million. Under it, there are guaranteed places for people who fall within the eligible categories and, after that, concessionary places are made available. We have maintained a high level of commitment in this area but most of the requests are for people to move outside the established rules. The Minister of State has undertaken to examine it and he has sought with Opposition Members to find resolutions but these are not easy to find. That is why it is taking considerable time to consider this.

Comment on this