Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have heard what the Minister has said and acknowledge the progress that has been made but I am none the wiser in terms of the answer to my specific question. Parents were very grateful that a second bus was provided last year. It is a 50-seater bus and is almost always full, which indicates that there is a huge need. However, word has filtered through that the second bus may not continue and that has massive implications for families. One school actually contacted the school transport service and the reply it received was that no decision has been made but that it is most unlikely that there will be a bus available for children next September.

I can tell the Minister I have got more emails on this than nearly any other issue in education that I have dealt with. One parent said to me, "I am hoping my boss will accommodate my late arrival at work and quick exit for collection." Another parent tells me she has stage 4 cancer, this bus was a lifesaver as she is up and down to Dublin. If it does not continue she is in crisis. I have a long list, which I will not go through, of similar stories. Parents are really anxious about this.

See this speech in context