Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

It does not inspire confidence when such a major issue is not mentioned. Fine Gael would support an independent audit of school transport, as outlined by the Taoiseach.

Senator Ormonde remarked that there are fewer children now travelling by school bus than ever before but the school bus budget has spiralled out of control in the context of the numbers travelling. We must remember that other costs are involved.

Senator Norris said that children should be allowed to go to any school they want. The State has a limited amount of money and there is an onus on it to provide transport for children who live more than three miles from the nearest school and within reason in other cases. We cannot, however, have a scenario where children in Bagenalstown who decide to go to Carlow can expect a bus service automatically. That is not possible, although children who want to go a gaelscoil or Church of Ireland school are allowed to go if there is no available school in the area.

I would like to hear the Minister of State outline the arrangements for the independent audit of school transport and receive an assurance that the Government will have learned something from the shambles of last August by the time the primary school regulations come into effect.