Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for attending. I do not want to rehash the discussions that have gone before. Ultimately, the recent announcement was motivated by the right reasons and was very much welcome. The nub of the issue is the children who have been displaced, to whom the Minister alluded.

I listened to the Minister's interview last night on "Prime Time" in which she stated that the scheme must be driven by need. That brings me to my first question, which relates to the ongoing review. I have pleaded privately with the Minister in the past to have a demand-led service, rather than the situation we have inherited with nearest school, second-nearest school, etc. I hope that will be included in the review. I know the Minister cannot give us a date for completion of the review but she stated it would shortly issue its recommendations. Will that be at a date this side of Christmas or the other side of Christmas? At the very least, will the review's recommendations be brought forward in time for next year's intake? I would like some clarity on that.

My second question relates to the Minister's comment that she may be able to cater for concessionary ticket holders, subject to the budget next week. Like all Ministers, the Minister for Education will meet the Ministers for Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance over the coming days, as they prepare the budget. Can the Minister give the committee some reassurance that this is one of the priority issues she will raise with both Ministers? If she could give that clarity, it would be welcome as it would give comfort to parents who are still waiting that there may be a solution in the coming weeks.

Concerning the scheme, the Minister noted that Bus Éireann makes preparations in July. Is there any way that could be brought back to May or June in future schemes? Time is of the essence in all of these matters, and school transport takes a lot of planning. Logistically, it is a tough gig for Bus Éireann every year. If that could be brought forward, that would be a help. Bus Éireann has a difficult task regarding the routes and the criteria used. Sometimes they drop a route and children could move into the area. Somebody should revise the routes and attendance on the buses. That should be ongoing, not just something that is instigated in July. If the Minister could answer those questions, I would appreciate it.