Mr. Damian White:

I do not have direct information from Bus Éireann about it being extended but, like every other service and many other aspects, there has to be some latitude to make sure every child who needs it gets access to school transport.

While we are at the primary end of things, it is of huge concern to us when people do not get second level places. We hear back from the families about it and about their concerns and worries for their children's future. While I cannot address the second level issue, I agree with Deputy Funchion that more places may be needed in certain areas to cater for the demands of pupils. Kilkenny is one such area. In my area of Tullamore it was an issue in recent years as well.

I hope there is the latitude in school transport to make sure that every child and the application of every child are dealt with appropriately because there is still so much uncertainty at the moment as to what is available and what can possibly happen to school transport. People may have held back in applying. They may have health fears about overcrowded buses and so on. I myself am a parent. These things are real for all families who have to make decisions in this area. We hope there is that latitude within the school transport section to allow for later applications if necessary.