Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the matter of the special needs school bus escorts. I am aware that the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, promised a review of the pay rates by the end of 2024. Has that been completed yet? We know an election is imminent and I am concerned about the escorts.

Recently, I met two lovely, hard-working escorts who explained to me that they work with children with disabilities and provide an essential service, often serving as the important bridge between the school and the parents, never mind ensuring the children get to school in a safe, calm and dependable way. They pointed out that while the minimum wage has gone up twice in the past five years, they have seen an increase of only 50 cent in that period. The fear is that we will lose these essential workers. The Minister is cognisant of this. I cannot overstate the importance of the role of the individuals. When they have to take a sick day or if anything happens to them, they have to find a replacement themselves. They are under a lot of pressure as it is.

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