Lynn Ruane (Independent)
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No problem. I thank the witnesses for their presentations. Many members have covered a large number of the concerns to which I had intended to refer. I will not reiterate what has been said. The policy relating to the scheme, which is somewhat of a side issue, has not been raised. I have received several emails on this matter and the committee may have received correspondence on it. The Chairman said that the officials cannot comment on policy matters. They might elaborate on the policy, however, because I did not know that one existed.

People have raised concerns about the disparity in terms of the transport allocation to non-religious families under the ethos provision of the Department's transport policy. Families of children who were previously allocated transport to primary school based on being part of a minority religion or none found they were no longer eligible for that transport when they moved to second level. The officials might provide some insight into that policy and the way the selection process in terms of religion happens. Three religions were named when people requested to know what was a minority religion. What is the selection process in terms of children of minority religions, especially having regard to the change in demographics, and has that process been reviewed?