Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It was remiss of me not to refer to Deputy Conway-Walsh's comment that there was a reduction in school transport funding. I wish to clarify that; I should have done so. There is actually a 5% increase in funding for school transport. The reduction is a reference to the fact that, during Covid, there was 50% occupancy. Thus there was greater expenditure. There is no reduction in the money. In fact, there is a slight increase in the money going into school transport. I should have said that.

I acknowledge Deputy O'Sullivan's absolute commitment to Watergrasshill. It is a reflection of the need for the school transport review. I know he has a particular view on a demand-led system, but for many reasons we are looking at the review of accessibility, eligibility and opportunities for the maximum number of students to attend the school of their choosing. The Deputy will be aware I introduced the temporary alleviation measure where students who chose to go to their second school would be covered. The Deputy is referencing a third-nearest school-----