Joanna Byrne (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I want to raise the debacle that is the school transport scheme, in particular the scheme for children with special educational needs in Louth and east Meath. My constituency office is inundated with parents, some worried and some livid, as their children have not received a place on the school bus, even though they received their tickets some months ago. Very late notice was given to parents, in most cases on the Friday afternoon, with school due to start on the following Monday. This has caused major distress to both the children and the parents.

Young Kate in Drogheda, who has Down's syndrome and is trying to develop her independence, has still not received a school place. We need to implement the school transport review recommendations and just get the bloody buses on the road. It is absolutely scandalous for us to be told at this stage, this week, that a public procurement process is under way to find a solution. I am sorry to say it, but the Minister has failed to prepare. She has failed to act and, sadly, she has failed to deliver for these children.

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