Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. To be fair, parents or guardians sometimes have a variety of reasons as to why it is necessary for them to bring their children to school or drive them to school. The reasons can be multifaceted and complex and parents and guardians should always have that freedom. Notwithstanding that, I know there are many parents who are very keen to be in a position to avail of the school transport system. It would make life a lot easier for them and it would also reduce traffic on the road. That is why we have this ambitious programme of more than 161,000 young people at present and by 2030 an additional 100,000 being able to avail of a school transport system that will ensure parents have greater freedom with regard to children getting to and from school, and also greater opportunity to reduce the number of cars that are on the road. However, that element of flexibility will in some small instances have to remain in place. The vast majority of young people like to travel on the bus with the rest of the community where that suits their needs.

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