Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

This is a complex issue and I appreciate the attendance of the Minister of State. I will conclude on this point. The circular indicates that the child already enrolled in the school will continue to have those transport arrangements by virtue of the fact that the child has commenced school, whereas the brother or sister starting next year will not have the entitlement. Instead, he or she may have an entitlement to transport to another school. Families will be split and sent in different directions. This will make for a long, hot summer in rural Ireland. School transport is an emotive issue and I ask the Minister to withdraw the circular the Department issued to schools through Bus Éireann and to sit down in consultation with parents, teachers and interest groups.

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