Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate the opportunity to raise this important issue. The changes to the post-primary school transport scheme due to take effect in September stem from the ending of the catchment boundary system and the new requirement of attendance at a student's nearest school. I understand the changes stem from the value for money review carried out of school transport which was initiated following a substantial increase in the cost of school transport. This new requirement of attendance at a student's nearest school must be reviewed and changed.

Any change to the school transport system can cause serious difficulties in a particular area and have an impact on many families. I have an example in my county. Students at second level from Kingscourt, County Cavan have traditionally attended schools in either Carrickmacross, Balieborough or Nobber. That pattern of attendance has been established between the three post-primary centres. Last week a large number of parents in Kingscourt received their first communication from Bus Éireann stating their children would not be eligible for transport to a certain school. The correspondence I saw referred to children enrolled in Carrickmacross. In the case of some families, older siblings have attended school in Carrickmacross and a younger sibling is due to attend for the first time in September. The student has been enrolled and the parents have purchased the uniform and books. Such parents have now received a communication from Bus Éireann stating the nearest school is Nobber, County Meath and that transport will only be provided to Carrickmacross on a concessionary basis if a seat is available on the bus. There are substantial costs involved for families, whether they have a medical card.

The Minister of State, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and I represent rural constituencies and are very cognisant of the difficulties when changes are made to school transport systems. Where a pattern of attendance has been established over a period of years, the nearest school requirement should not be given effect. The Minister of State is aware of the school transport system which operates in his constituency and I ask him to ensure the Department review this issue as a matter of urgency.

See this speech in context