Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the points the Deputy raises. The reason behind many of them gives rise to the necessity for a review. I come from a rural constituency and am more than familiar with the issues that have pertained to the school transport system.

I deal with it with my constituents. It has been an ongoing issue for many years and it predates many of us being elected to the House. It is for this reason I was more than keen that the review of the school transport service as we know it would be given every opportunity, notwithstanding Covid and I understand there could have been issues with Covid. I was very keen that we would reconvene and get down to business and tackle many of the issues as the Deputy has outlined them. I am happy to confirm the steering group has now reconvened and its work is ongoing. To confirm, it is my intention the steering group will present its initial or preliminary findings regarding eligibility, which is one of the key issues outlined by the Deputy, in the short term. I expect to have it before the fuller and more comprehensive report is outlined by the close of year.

I appreciate that for parents this is a hugely difficult, trying and complex process. It is my intention we will do all we can to ensure it is a more streamlined service and that students are accommodated. The impetus for the entire review is to ensure the school transport service provides the service it should provide and I look forward to the interim report in the not too distant future.

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