Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her question. I am keen to answer it. This is my first time taking Leaders' Questions since the summer break, however, and I am conscious that I do so on the day that Thelma and her little brother Mikey, who died tragically in Westmeath, are being buried today in St. Mel's Cathedral in Longford. This brings to mind the other children in Ireland who died violently over the past few months. It was hard not to feel for the fact that we had so many tragedies involving children dying violently over the summer. Therefore, as we begin this new term, our thoughts are with the families and communities in Tallaght, Westmeath and Waterford who are grieving for loved ones taken too tragically and too soon. The deaths of children affect us all in ways that we can barely put into words. It is a sadness that cuts deeply because we know in our hearts that it is not the natural order of things. It breaks our hearts to have so much joy and laughter silenced in this way. Therefore, we pray for healing and peace in the days and months ahead. In this time of tragedy and terrible pain, we in this House share with the families and communities affected our sorrow, our compassion and our love. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

Regarding the Deputy's question, I acknowledge that school transport is a vital public service. It benefits tens of thousands of pupils and families around the country. It is really important, particularly in rural areas, in ensuring that children can get to school. We are very much aware of the concerns being expressed by parents. The Deputy can be assured that this has been the biggest issue encountered in recent weeks in the constituency offices of Deputies across the Government parties, particularly in rural constituencies. This initiative was introduced as a Government measure to help with the cost of going to school, along with an increase in the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance and the extension of the school meals programme. The decision was made to waive all fees, saving families up to €650, relative to last year. There may be a nominal fee next year, perhaps, but that is a matter for next year. I accept that the issue this year is one of capacity.

In total, 124,000 tickets have been issued as of September, and this is an increase of 21,000 on last year. Therefore, there is a lot of extra capacity, and it is not fair to say that the Minister, Deputy Foley, did not plan for that. The additional 21,000 tickets do not represent a small number but I appreciate, however, that it may not have been enough. This capacity has been secured from Bus Éireann and it continues to process applications. It is scheduling additional services in line with the scheme's eligibility criteria. The Minister, as Deputy Clarke mentioned, is going to go before the joint committee soon and she will be happy to answer any questions Deputies have, including questions and proposals they may have concerning additional capacity and engagement with Bus Éireann.

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