James Bannon (Fine Gael)

Will the Leader invite the Minister for Education and Science to the House to debate the school transport system? Following the horrific accident last year in County Meath, we were promised the current fleet of buses would be phased out and replaced but, in many areas, the system is in complete chaos. The Leader may be aware that in our constituency children leave home at 7 a.m. to catch a bus and they do not return until after 6 p.m. because of a shortage of buses. Some buses must do two or three runs and this is not fair on pupils studying for the leaving and junior certificates.

The guidelines on school transport must be examined. The issue needs to be addressed, as it has been highlighted time and time again by parents and students. It is important the House should debate this issue, particularly where it relates to rural transport.