The free schoolbooks for primary school children scheme is working very well across the country. It is taking a lot of pressure off hard-pressed families in every constituency. The problem now is getting children to school in order that they can take full advantage of this scheme. As we know, the national school bus transport scheme has been under a lot of pressure in the last couple of years. A review of the scheme is ongoing, although it seems to have been going on forever. When does the Taoiseach expect the school bus review to be completed in order that we can get a bus transport system that is fit for purpose and get our children sent to school safely?

This year, more than 149,000 children were transported to school every day, at primary and secondary levels, throughout the country. This is an increase of 12%. Fees have been reduced considerably by the Government. I am advised that the review of the school transport scheme is nearing completion. The review is being conducted to ensure it serves students and their families adequately. The final report of the review will include recommendations on the future operation of the scheme. Once approved by the Government, it is planned that the review will be published. I also understand that the Minister for Education, Deputy Norma Foley, will make statements on that matter sometime this week.