Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 21 September 2022

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills

School Transport Issues: Engagement with Minister for Education

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The 600 applicants who are eligible will be provided for. I absolutely concede that there are challenges in some pinch areas in the provision of buses and drivers. That is not unique to school transport. We have seen similar staffing challenges in business, hospitality or wherever it happens to be. However, Bus Éireann is working through that and those 600 applicants will be provided for. I have indicated that I am in discussions with the Minister, Deputy Michael McGrath, about the 6,000 applicants who have not met the criteria - they are applicants for concessionary tickets - to see what scope exists.