Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The school transport system is very distinct from that transport scheme. It is not operated by the Department or by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.

I heard what the Deputy said about bus escorts. I am very conscious that these people are hugely important to our system. On the case the Deputy raised where an escort is not available or able to work on a certain day, a sub or replacement escort can be provided for. I am interested in hearing the details of the case because if a bus escort is not available, another bus escort can be provided. If the Deputy provides me with details, I will be happy to follow up on the matter.

There is a body of work on the SNA workforce plan and many of our bus escorts work as SNAs. There is a questionnaire involved in that engagement. Very positive work is being done on the workplace plan, which will give us further information on the numbers of bus escorts, how they operate in our schools and what needs to be done going forward. I am very favourably disposed to doing anything we can to improve the experience of bus escorts. Policy will be informed, in the first instance, by what comes out of the workforce plan. It will not be the only stand-alone piece of work that we do. A piece of work will come out of the workplace development programme.

On capital projects and the school for the deaf, I do not have specifics on individual schools with me. As the Deputy will know, there are more than 4,000 schools. However, I will be happy to revert to the Deputy with a specific update on the school in question.