Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his interest in the matter. I acknowledge he has a budget within which he much work, but at the same time each child of schoolgoing age is entitled to have proper and fair education in a school of their parents' choice where they believe their child can learn more. There are areas where families have an historic attachment to a school. Previous legislation changed that. For example, pupils in west Waterford might have to go another school when there is a school nearer. Families have historic attachments to schools. Also, all schools do not provide the same curriculum. Parents might want their children to attend a school because of the curriculum in place in that school.

Most schools have open days for registration for incoming pupils for the following year. Should a representative of Bus Éireann not attend those open days and spell out to parents whether their children will be eligible or considered for a school bus place, especially when they come from a rural area? Perhaps the Minister of State should consider having a representative of Bus Éireann on site in schools that have an open day for the enrolment of new students.

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