Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

This happens every year because it takes time for the eligible pupils to apply for, and receive, their tickets. There are eligible pupils who have yet to apply for their tickets. Until we know the exact position, the catchment areas, including the catchment boundary pupils, cannot be facilitated because they are concessionary pupils. The eligible pupils must be facilitated first.

The only difference between this year and last year is that we accommodated a situation and very quickly improved the seating arrangements on buses in order to have a one for one arrangement. No matter how people view that change, everyone in this House believes it was a priority. It seems to surprise Members on the other side of the House that this is being done quickly.

The catchment boundaries are not ad hoc. They exist to ensure there is a strategic approach to school accommodation and the provision of teachers. It is most important that we take that into account. There have been certain changes on catchment boundaries, as I have explained, with regard to new schools or where schools have closed.

There was an interesting example of this in County Wicklow. In September 2003 Kilcoole opened as a sole provider for the area of Kilcoole-Newtownmountkennedy and environs. The level of accommodation provided was based on the projected enrolment, and primary schools within revised catchment areas. Discussions took place with other post-primary schools in determining the provision. It was decided to continue to provide transport only to pupils who had already commenced post-primary education.

That is happening already in Pallaskenry because I have allowed it as a particular concession to that school.

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