Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his reply although I am dissatisfied with it. At the commencement of this year, the cost of school transport for junior cycle students was €99. This increased to €138 at Easter, to €168 in July and to €300 under the budget, an increase of 203% in less than seven months.

Will the Minister reverse these charges? If not, will he state that there will be no further increases in charges during the lifetime of this Government? I believe this charge is anti-family and anti-rural. Young students in the Minister's constituency have available to them public transport to take them to school. This charge is a huge burden on families in rural areas. Will the Minister say if further increases are proposed or if he will reduce the cost?

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