Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the committee, I would like to welcome the Minister for Education, Deputy Norma Foley, and her officials here today. The Minister is here to discuss the school transport issue. As we all know, this issue has dominated the headlines, especially in rural communities, over the last two months. The format of the meeting is that I will invite the Minister to make a brief opening statement. This will be followed by questions from members of the committee. Each member has a five or six minute slot. We will see how we are getting on as other Members of the Oireachtas have indicated they want to join us today. As the Minister is probably aware, the committee will publish the opening statement on its website following today's meeting.

Before we begin, I remind members of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The Minister has five minutes.