School transport concerns
Eamon Scanlon raised parental concerns about school transport, a local school losing a teacher under old distance rules, and lack of change from the commission’s work. The Taoiseach advised him to send details to the Minister of State and said he would follow up.
As the school transport year is fast approaching, there are many concerned parents. Deputies of all sides of the House raised the issue and a commission was set up to look at the overall picture. I am very worried because I understand the commission, while it is looking at this, is proposing no change. I have a three-classroom school in a village that the Taoiseach passes through regularly and, because of the regulation that was introduced in 1967 in regard to the distance of two miles that a pupil must live from a national school, unfortunately, this school will lose a teacher this year. An overall look at what is happening in school transport needs to be taken immediately.
Comment on this
I would suggest that Deputy Scanlon send the details to the Minister of State, Deputy Halligan, because he is handling the school transport scheme.
Comment on this
I have spoken to the Minister of State already.