Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, the review on school transport that the Minister, Deputy Foley, published represents the most comprehensive reforms of the school transport system since the State was founded. I pay tribute to the Minister in getting this through Cabinet. Obviously, there will be an implementation phase. All of us are familiar with the anomalies, rows, disputation and challenges facing families that occur in different locations on an annual basis. The review is designed to put an end to that and it will need increased allocation. The Minister is talking about some pilot schemes in the autumn in relation to some aspects of the implementation of the review but I will ask the Minister to revert to the Deputy. One should bear in mind that we have brought in the free primary books scheme up to junior certificate level, which is beneficial.

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