Page 86 of the programme for Government states that education is the key to giving every child an equal opportunity in life and no child should be left behind in the economic recovery. Unfortunately, we are in week four of the school year and many children are being left behind because they cannot avail of the school transport service. Some children who are not eligible for the service but have been accepted on a concessionary basis cannot board a school bus. One case in Waterford involves three brothers aged 12, nine and six years who have travelled on the bus together for years. This year, the six year old cannot use the bus while his brothers still use it. The youngest boy is not eligible, whereas the other two boys have concessionary tickets. What plans does the Government have to deal with the children who are not accessing school transport?

The impression I have from the Minister is that everyone who is entitled to school transport is getting it.

That is not true.

However, there is a system by which children who are not entitled to the service may receive one of the extra seats on a bus on a concessionary basis. It will never be possible to provide a seat on a concessionary basis to the infinite number of children who are not entitled to one. The advice I have from the Minister, however, is that every child who is entitled to school transport is receiving a service but it is not possible to provide a concessionary seat to everyone who is not entitled to one but may want one. The Deputy may wish to raise the matter directly with the Minister of State, Deputy Halligan.