Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is important to point out that 124,000 tickets for the mainstream scheme alone have been issued to applicants and 124,000 children are on the bus. As part of the cost-of-living packages introduced by the Government, they are able to travel to school by bus free of charge. Notwithstanding that there are difficulties, that point cannot be lost. All present accept this is very important for many families who might not ordinarily get supports, possibly because they are working, for example. It is important to acknowledge that.

The Department has commenced a review of the school transport scheme. It is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme. All Deputies are aware there are issues every September. The Government accepts that.

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