Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy and I appreciate the point she makes. I absolutely appreciate the importance of the school transport system for a whole variety of reasons for different people at different times, as the Deputy articulated. Specifically in respect of the topic, Bus Éireann will be reviewing applications and planning routes during the summer months for the upcoming year. It is important to acknowledge that the system is presently in train. The closing date for new applications for the 2023-24 school year was Friday, 28 April. The closing date for payment or entering medical details for tickets for the 2023-24 school year is Friday, 9 June. All detail will be in by Friday, 9 June. It is only after this time that Bus Éireann will know how many applications have been received and paid for, what bus size and how many bus places are required. At that point, services will be planned for the upcoming school year. I also want to say that pending completion of the review, there will be no removal or downsizing of buses or routes for the 2023-24 school year.

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