Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank and compliment the people who, for generations, have carried children safely to school, in particular private contractors and others who have travelled safely with children to school. It is very important to acknowledge their great work. Considerable distress has been caused by the 50% reduction in capacity, the lack of clarity from the Department of Education and Skills and the confusion. Our local office in Tralee is doing excellent work. Our local people in Bus Éireann and the staff who work there do excellent work. However, parents have been left in a situation where students who should have access to a bus to travel to school do not have it. There is uncertainty and worry and that should not be the case at a time when families have enough to contend with.

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