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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Kilmore school bus shortage

Summary

Deputy Verona Murphy raised the lack of school transport for 46 concessionary ticket holders in Kilmore, Wexford. The Taoiseach said he would ask the Education Minister to examine the specific case and reply in writing.

On Monday evening, I attended a meeting in Kilmore. Forty-six children have concessionary tickets but no bus to take them to school in Wexford town. They all have working parents. It was brought to my attention that, apparently three weeks ago, there was a bus put on for the very same situation in Gowran, County Kilkenny, where Deputy McGuinness was informed that he would not be getting a vote from anybody. Basically, a meeting was set up with the Minister and the bus was put on. There are now three buses taking children from Gowran to Kilkenny. It lasted for a week, and now all the students appear to be catered for on two buses. What the 46 children and parents are asking for in Kilmore - all tax-paying, working parents whose children have concessionary tickets - is that they would be afforded the same. It cannot be one rule just because a TD in the Government is not going to get a vote. It has to be the same for everyone. I ask on behalf of the children in Kilmore that they will have a bus service for concessionary ticket holders in September, and I would like that in writing please.

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Simon Harris The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I am sure Deputy McGuinness will be flattered by the Deputy's belief in his excellent abilities. He is an excellent public representative but we obviously have systems in place with regard to school buses. We have brought forward a very significant reform. I accept it is a very real issue, including in my own constituency. I will ask the Minister for Education to look into the specific issue with regard to students in Kilmore and to come back to the Deputy in writing on the issue.

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