Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Kitt's call for a review of the school transport system. Fewer than 12 months ago, the House asked for a review so that the tragedy in Meath would not be repeated. A terrible tragedy took place in Clara, County Offaly, yesterday. Our sympathy goes out to the family, the students and the community at large in Offaly.

A hidden factor that contributed to this tragic loss was the fact that all of the children on the bus had been refused school transport by the Department of Education and Science. This is where the real tragedy lies. For almost 15 years we have ignored calls for a review of the catchment areas. Today I received from a parent in County Galway a copy of a letter from Bus Éireann which states: "In keeping with Department of Education and Science directives for school transport, whereby each pupil must have a single seat, I regret to inform you that we are enable to give your child transport after Easter". This is one of 30 letters to one national school in Galway. It is envisaged that a further 20 pupils will lose school transport from September.

Will the Minister continue with the absolute lack of proper regulation in the area of school transport? Children are being put in danger as a result of the total mess caused by the involvement of the Department of Education and Science, on the one hand, and the Department of Transport on the other, as well as independent carriers, with nobody having control other than through the Department of Education and Science scheme. The matter needs urgent attention.