Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I have been advised by Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, that listings of pupils who have been issued with tickets for the current term will be issued to bus operators in mid-October. Such an arrangement is not possible in the case of pupils who avail of scheduled public transport services.

The issue of listings at an earlier date is not possible due to the number of late applications and late payments received in school transport offices throughout the country. It would be of little benefit issuing such lists until Bus Éireann is satisfied that the vast bulk of tickets have been issued and that the listing represents a true reflection of all pupils who are authorised to travel.

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