Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the Minister's interest in this. I merely want to know when people who are eligible for tickets will be getting their tickets and when applicants for concessionary tickets will know they will get tickets. Are there timelines set by which these will be communicated to people?

When there is such a large volume and there are anomalies in the application process, it is important it is done right. Many parents are worried they will end up, come 1 September or the end of August, not knowing whether they have a seat on the bus. Like the Minister, I come from a rural constituency where many people rely on the school bus service, be it to go to national school or secondary school. It is important they know as early as possible so they can plan for the next academic year well in advance. Last year, it was a bit of a free-for-all come September for many people. Especially for those applying for concessionary tickets, they need to know as soon as possible if they will be accommodated on the buses.

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