School transport reform
Senator Coghlan congratulated a colleague and then Senator Gallagher raised the flawed operation of the school transport system, especially in rural Ireland.
It was Maurice Hayes, of course, forgive me. My memory was blocked for a second.
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Absolutely. A man with whom I often had breakfast and tea. We happened to stay in the same house up on the Green.
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I think Senator McDowell agreed with him. I very much welcome the report and when the Leader arranges for us to discuss it we will all be interested in it.
I was also at the same book launch last night, thanks to Senator Ned O'Sullivan for reminding me of the matter. It was a very enjoyable function. I was unable to be detained for as long as the Senator was but it was very enjoyable. I congratulate our colleague, Senator Lynn Ruane, on her success.
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Before they head off, I also welcome my good friend, Councillor David Maxwell, and his group to the Seanad. Judging by the contributions from my colleagues, David will not have the opportunity to put his hand in his pocket today because all the food and drink he can consume will be bought for him before he leaves. I hope they all enjoy the rest of their day and look forward to seeing them later.
On a more serious issue, like others, I raise the flawed operation of the school transport system throughout the country. It is failing children, parents and schools throughout rural Ireland. I am aware of one school in County Monaghan, Scoil Mhuire, where children were not allowed onto the bus and were left standing at the side of the road.
It is clear from looking at newspapers and listening to local radio stations throughout the country that we have a serious problem. It is not working. It is failing school children, parents and rural communities. This system was introduced by the Government in 2016. I am sure the Leader will agree it is not working. Surely it is not beyond the competence of those in the Department to come up with a common-sense scheme that will allow schoolchildren to be taken to school. I ask the Leader to take the message back to the Government that the system needs to be reviewed as a matter of urgency. We all stood here this time last year and discussed the same issues and problems and we are back here this year doing likewise. I ask the Leader to get the Minister, Deputy Bruton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Halligan, to come to the House to discuss this issue and undertake a review of the system as a matter of urgency.