Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail)
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I thank all of the contributors. The meeting has been very worthwhile and informative.

Deputy Carol Nolan spoke for me and, I am sure, many others. When we came back last September, there was complete mayhem. Deputies and Senators from all parties all had the same story to tell, that the school transport service was not fit for purpose and I take no pleasure in saying this to the delegates. As a result of pressure being exerted from all angles, a review was promised, but it took a while for it to be completed. However, it was obvious to everybody before the review commenced that there was a problem, but when the review was completed, the word was that there was no issue and that it was business as usual. This was very disappointing for all concerned. As Deputy Carol Nolan outlined, there is a problem which collectively we need to address. No schoolchild who is passed by a school bus should be left behind by it. That is absolutely crazy and it makes no sense. The committee should be about recognising that there is a problem and collectively trying to address it. This is something that I hope will come from today's discussion.

On the roles of Bus Éireann and the subcontractors, I briefly read a submission made by the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland which is not represented at this meeting. I do not know whether our guests have had an opportunity to read it, but it might be useful to circulate a copy to them as some interesting points are made in it which I have noted.

How often are the specific assigned routes reviewed? A family from County Monaghan have told me that a particular route has been in operation for eight years but that the built environment has changed considerably in that period, meaning that there are more children seeking to use it. What needs to happen for a review of a route to take place?

The submission received from the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland speaks about facilities on buses to cater children with special needs and wheelchair accessibility. Are the delegates satisfied that the fleet operated - some 90% has been subcontracted to private companies - has been adapted adequately to cater for children with special needs?