Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Each year parents are faced with the same problems, when it comes to the school bus transport scheme. It is fair to say the scheme is popular, but it is over-subscribed. The question arises in terms of who is eligible and who is excluded. I would like to know the Minister's assessment of those who are excluded. What percentage of people are on concessionary tickets? What number of people who apply for the scheme are neither eligible nor get a concessionary ticket? The issue of unmet need is important. The suggestion that we will increase the number by 1,800 by next year is unambitious. It is out of kilter with the ambition in the climate Bill and with other obligations. Bus Éireann aims to get to 139,000 by 2030. That in and of itself is not enough, and the Minister’s ambition is half of that.

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