Michael Brennan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. I call on the Minister for Education and Science to clarify the access to school transport arrangements currently in place for students from Limerick city catchment area, Mungret and Ballybrown, who wish to attend the Salesian college in Pallaskenry, County Limerick and I ask that the status quo be maintained.

Much confusion has arisen in recent times regarding changes in the transport system. The school transport section of the Department gave a commitment in February 2001 that the status quo would be maintained pending a review of the current arrangements and of the catchment boundary situation as pointed out by the school transport section of the Department at the time. The Department also stated that those involved should appreciate that this would involve extensive discussions with the relevant interested parties and that it would contact them in due course. Parents are confused as to the current arrangements and as to what arrangements are in place for the next school term. I ask the Minister to make a commitment to maintain the status quo.