Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I said, I am speaking about a specific issue, which is Kilnaleck. I would like to take this opportunity to thank one parent who has had numerous meetings, sent numerous emails, made numerous phone calls and put hours and hours into this on behalf of the other parents and kids to try to come to a resolution. Using her words, to say this is a stressful situation is an understatement.

On the broader picture, the system has to be flexible, particularly in the current circumstances we find ourselves in. To say, as I read in the reply, that a late applicant will not be accepted is not flexible. I will use the example of a family with a number of children who have been paying Bus Éireann over the past 15 years. Their child cannot get on the bus this year even though that bus is driving by the end of their lane only half full. This is the problem. We cannot have half-full buses going to schools with other kids, who have been loyal Bus Éireann customers, left at the side of the road. I ask that the system be flexible to ensure the capacity is provided for all these concessionary students.

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