Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)

Many parents across the country are struggling with the current school transport system. This is particularly acute in rural communities. I have been inundated with irate and anxious parents, especially from the north Kilkenny area of my constituency. A multitude of problems arose within Johnstown, Galmoy, Freshford and Tullaroan. The issues arise where families are on the border or close to the boundaries of school catchment areas. Some of these children wish to attend schools in Kilkenny and Thurles, but are disqualified because of catchment area regulations. Failures, inconsistencies and anomalies cause parents and students distress, aggravation, inconvenience and in many cases a financial burden. A child may get a place in one school, but the bus serving that area may not align with the catchment, leaving parents with no viable alternative option. We regularly have parents denied the opportunity to select their preferred school. St. Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh is a typical example of a progressive school that is losing students seeking to enrol. The school is at a disadvantage because of the existing configuration of school transport. The current system is outdated, unmanageable and unfit for purpose. Families are often caught between two schools and two different bus routes, yet neither may work for them under the current regulations. This creates a huge dilemma for parents who want their children to attend a preferred school, but find the transport rules and catchments do not allow them freedom of choice.

The situation is made worse by the reliance on the concessionary ticket system. Parents often do not find out until very close to the start of the school year whether their child has secured a seat. When they are not successful it leaves them scrambling at the last minute with no transport options. This is simply unsustainable and must change.

I also ask that the Minister of State play a role in ensuring that over-70s are allowed to continue to drive on school bus routes. It is an absolute nonsense to disqualify people from driving a school bus because they have reached the age of 70. The current work permit system is too rigid and does not allow for international recruitment.

When will we see the commitment in the programme for Government to commence a review of the school transport system? This review should look at integrating with Local Link services, which already operate in many areas, to create more flexible solutions for families. The review should also consider moving the allocation of bus tickets to an earlier point in the year so Bus Éireann and parents have more certainty and more time to plan ahead. The school transport issue is a recurring one that must be dealt with in an expeditious and fair manner. I hope the review will be conducted in a timely manner and make recommendations to make this system fair, equal and accessible.

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