Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know Deputy O'Rourke has an enormous interest in this area, both from the climate action point of view and from recognising the importance of the benefit of the school transport scheme. He is quite correct that there was an interim review and a final review. Phase 1 of the review was completed in June 2021 and examined the impact of eligibility criteria for the scheme on mainstream pupils who were eligible for transport to their nearest school but attending their next nearest school. The steering group presented me with that report and, following consideration of the report, the Deputy will be aware that we introduced the TAMs for students who are attending not just their nearest post-primary school but their next nearest. These measures have been continued for 2022 to 2023.

There has been a significant body of work in terms of engagement with parents, students, providers, those who do not use the scheme, and looking at best practice with our European counterparts. It is my expectation that it will be published shortly, but prior to that it has to go to the Government, and then it will be published. That is quite imminent.

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