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

As I pointed out in my initial response, there was planning and additional capacity was provided. Twenty-one thousand extra tickets this year means 21,000 more children across rural Ireland on school buses this year versus last year. That is a big increase in additional capacity and would be welcomed by many families, who did not have school transport before, now availing of it.

In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where they are in operation. For those who are eligible, we are confident that they will be accommodated. Where it comes to concessionary tickets, as the Deputy will be aware, and as is always the case, that is more complicated. That requires there to be availability and that is the issue that is arising now.

As I say, the Minister, Deputy Foley, will be before the committee and will be happy to answer questions and hear suggestions from Deputies as to how we can resolve it.

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