Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is an invaluable service. All of us have been aware of certain issues as the scheme has grown. I have dealt with them in my own constituency in Dublin Fingal as well. It is important to know the Minister, Deputy Foley, has been actively engaged and involved in this. Since 2018, there has been a 38% increase in the number of pupils being provided with school transport. The cost of the scheme has gone up from approximately €200 million to just short of €400 million. Approximately 140,000 tickets are issued. The Deputy knows these statistics. There are still issues and I respect that.

The school transport scheme 2030 report and looking at the review, it is really important. Like in many sectors, there are issues with regard to vacancies. More can be done in respect of bus drivers. We discussed this issue in the context of retirement ages and the difference between private and public bus operators. This is to the forefront of the Minister for Education's agenda. We have issued a significant number of additional tickets this year for this school year. If the Deputy has any other particular issues, she can raise them directly through me and I will get them to the Minister for Education.

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