Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

It is more than five weeks since parents in Wicklow were told the school bus service for which they had applied and paid, and on which they relied, was no longer available for their children to get them to school. Parents were left in the lurch. Very little information was given to them. No reason was given as to why this happened or when it would be resolved. Many parents, unfortunately, had to give up work. Ironically childcare workers and even a teacher have had to take leave and are considering giving up work because of the difficulties this is causing for them and their families. Many parents had to take annual leave or use unpaid parental leave to ensure their children were getting to school. The burden of this is falling primarily on mothers in the county and in the country. Often it is mothers who are left to ensure their children get to school. It is putting great pressure on families.

When I raised this issue in the Dáil two weeks ago, I specifically asked for information on Wicklow. Unfortunately, I did not receive it at the time. I had hoped I would have received it by now but I have not received any information from the Department on services in Wicklow. When I raised the issue in the Dáil, I was told the services were not cancelled but that these people were without a service. Today I have found out that a number of routes in Wicklow have been reactivated. I ask the Minister to please stop playing word games with this issue. Be clear and upfront with parents. Tell them exactly what will happen if these services are not provided for them, how they will be supported or when they can expect a service to be reinstated. It is causing great stress for parents, students and the schools themselves because in recent weeks they have seen an increase in students not making it into class.

Unfortunately the school transport service is not fit for purpose. I understand a review is taking place. I also understand it is complex. I know that in many parts of the country the scheme works well. Where the Minister says that a small number of families were issued with tickets and have not yet received transport, this is not the case in the constituency of Wicklow. I have received more than 200 emails from families in this situation. This is not a small number. The impact on these families is not limited. I ask that the Minister works urgently to resolve these issues and communicate what she is going to do for these parents.

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