Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department of Education and Skills provides school transport to approximately 120,000 students each year at a cost of approximately €175 million. Priority on all buses goes to designated eligible students. There has been no systematic effort to reduce the number of concessionary places on buses. As the Deputy indicated, the Minister of State has initiated a review of this expensive scheme. It must be borne in mind that we cannot make rules for one individual locality. The scheme has to apply to every parish and school in a uniform and fair way. I know cases will be brought up that seem very difficult for individuals who are just caught, but the rules have to be applied universally. We acknowledge that there can be difficulties for parents. We are continuing to support large numbers of students through this fair scheme, in which we are investing a great deal of money.

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