Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Deputy's interest in this issue. I am very clear in terms of school transport. It is important to acknowledge that we are conducting a review of the service. It is my intention that we will do all we can to ensure that as wide an access as possible is provided in terms of eligibility of children and young people for school transport. That is part of the remit of the current review. I have to be honest with the Deputy and say that where pubic health advice pertains, that advice will be followed. If the advice is to operate at 50% capacity, then we will have 50% capacity. However, there is scope within that, as there was previously, for accommodation of those who avail of transport on a concessionary basis. No one who is eligible will be excluded from that remit.

More than 98% of buses have run at 50% capacity, at a cost of between €87 million and €135 million. I can revert to the Deputy with any further information he requires.

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