Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I am disappointed the Minister of State has refused to carry out a full catchment boundary review in view of the fact that boundaries were established in the 1960s and that significant demographic changes have subsequently taken place. There is neither rhyme nor reason to many of the catchment boundaries currently in existence. In terms of population, some areas have grown enormously since the 1960s but there have been no changes to their catchment boundaries. The entire system is a monument to ad hoc provisions. I ask her to review her decision on the matter.

I have raised the specific concerns of Pallaskenry, County Limerick on a number of occasions. I thank the Minister and the Minister of State for organising a meeting between parents and representatives of the Department last Friday. Was any decision made subsequent to the meeting, which lasted for approximately three hours? What is the status of the letter sent by the Department in 2001 that explained that the status quo would remain and the bus would continue to come from the city side until the catchment boundaries were changed?

I have before me a list of feeder schools to a Limerick city school which comprises a greater number of schools from without the city's catchment boundary than from within. Feeder schools are located in Counties Clare, Tipperary and Limerick. A statement was made that the school bus is being discontinued because there are sufficient places within the city. I put it to the Minister of State that many of these places are being taken by children who live outside the city's catchment boundary. I ask that the situation in Pallaskenry be reviewed.

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