Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to update him on school transport. I reiterate that all eligible pupils who have applied on time this year have been facilitated for the 2023-24 school year. In addition, there has been a 40% increase in the number of concessionary tickets issued to the relevant pupils for the current school year in comparison with the number issued for the 2021-22 school year. There are criteria, that is, the student is living 4.8 km from his or her nearest or next nearest school, but there is a review under way. We must allow the review to be completed. It would not be fair to make a unilateral decision on one specific school. It is important that we allow the review to run its course. We have made concessions, as an interim measure, while the review is up and running, with regard to eligibility for the student to attend his or her second nearest school. If it is a case that the student's first or second school is full and he or she can produce confirmation of such from the school, the student will be eligible for transport to the third-nearest school. However, we must allow the review to be completed. Applications will be will adjudicated on or after 9 June.

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