Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy very much for his question. I would like to comment briefly to the issue of the portal closing. The portal closed on 29 July because that was the final day on which to provide a confirmation. It opened again at the end of August but that was the cut-off point, which was well-advertised and flagged.

I acknowledge the point on communications and I believe that Bus Éireann has also acknowledged that. We have given additional resources to Bus Éireann to ensure that it can put a call centre in place. I am assured now that calls are being answered in a timely fashion but I take the Deputy’s point.

On the concessionary tickets, I completely hear what he said on them and I do not take from any of the individual cases that have been raised. The issue of concessionary tickets is one of the greatest impetuses for the entire revision I have instigated around school transport. The Deputy must accept that in the first instance that criteria are laid down for those who are eligible. Those who have met the eligibility have been satisfied.