Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the witnesses for addressing us today. I am not here on a regular basis but I am just here because I have massive concerns about the bus system. My main concern is about national policies, and it has been mentioned that they were changed in 2011 and 2012. There is no appeal system. I have told people not to appeal decisions. Within my area of Carlow and Borris-Myshall, the people skills of the staff should be looked at. I was speaking with the Minister recently about another case. I can understand there is no medical card waiver for concessionary school transport, and it is something that needs to be addressed, but it really concerns me where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets. I know a case where there will not be enough seats on the bus to meet demand so Bus Éireann will decide the allocation. How does it decide that? I have families who do not know if the children will be on the bus this year. It is a concern. As previous speakers indicated, it is about late consultation with the families that is causing massive concerns.

These issues must be addressed. As the previous speaker noted, 116,000 children are being brought to school, which is marvellous. My biggest gripe is with catchment areas. There is no common sense applied when a person approaches the Department and it just will not budge. One might as well be speaking to oneself as it just will not work. Unless there is a will to change the system, policies and the catchment areas, the good work will be defeated. For the sake of children and families worried about what will happen in September, we must get more information and clarification. There should be a bit of common sense with families who know areas and circumstances.

Religion is another issue that is not being addressed and the Department will definitely have to look at it. I thank the witnesses. I came here because I have concerns. Carlow, Borris and Myshall are my areas and as I am a new Senator, I am learning. I was not happy last year with the feedback I got on the appeal system. It was not fit for purpose.