I want to raise the debacle that is the school transport scheme, in particular the scheme for children with special educational needs in Louth and east Meath. My constituency office is inundated with parents, some worried and some livid, as their children have not received a place on the school bus, even though they received their tickets some months ago. Very late notice was given to parents, in most cases on the Friday afternoon, with school due to start on the following Monday. This has caused major distress to both the children and the parents.

Young Kate in Drogheda, who has Down's syndrome and is trying to develop her independence, has still not received a school place. We need to implement the school transport review recommendations and just get the bloody buses on the road. It is absolutely scandalous for us to be told at this stage, this week, that a public procurement process is under way to find a solution. I am sorry to say it, but the Minister has failed to prepare. She has failed to act and, sadly, she has failed to deliver for these children.

I thank Deputy Byrne very much for raising this issue. I know this is a priority for both the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan. They tell me that 178,945 tickets have been issued to children and young people for this school year, including 23,300 children and young people with special educational needs. That is an increase of 3%. However, that is no use to the child Deputy Byrne references if she is still waiting for this service. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, and the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to directly engage with the Deputy on the matter to see if anything more can be done to assist the family. I will ask them to get back directly to the Deputy.