School transport to Coláiste Ghlór na Mara
Deputy Smith called for urgent publication of the school transport review, citing families in Swords whose children cannot get to the local Gaelcholáiste. The Minister said he had spoken to parents and would meet the Education Minister to push for a quick resolution.
Returning to the area of school transport and its reform, I know the review of the school transport system is with the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley. How long it remains with her remains to be seen. We need it to be published urgently. As it stands, though, there are still cohorts of children all over the country who have been left behind by a school transport system that is not fit for purpose. In our own constituency, 17 families plus from Swords have students going to Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, Balbriggan. A provider is ready. It is the local, regional Gaelcholáiste for these students, the only one in Fingal and the one they should be going to. This archaic system in place though means they are being told to go into Dublin city or even across into County Meath. While we wait for this review to be published, therefore, can something be done for this cohort of children in our own constituency and for students all over the country who still await a proper school transport system?
Comment on this
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as ucht an cheist sin. Bhí mé ag caint le tuismitheoirí aréir faoin ábhar seo agus beidh mé ag buaileadh leis an Aire Oideachais an tseachtain seo chugainn. Tar éis sin, tiocfaidh mé ar ais chuig an Teachta agus chuig na tuismitheoirí freisin. Ba mhaith liom an cheist seo a réiteach go luath. The students need a service. This is the only Gaelcholáiste in our Dáil cheantar and I wish to ensure the Gaelscoileanna and those pupils leaving them and going to the Gaelcholáiste have a bus to get them to school. As I said, I am meeting the Minister for Education on this specific matter next week. I spoke to parents only yesterday and I will be returning to them after that meeting and also to the Deputy.