Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the matter of school transport which was previously raised in the House by a Member of the Opposition. I want to concur with the remarks made by Senator Conway-Walsh earlier this week. I was not present then, but it is something that the Minister needs to address in the House. It is farcical that a leaving certificate student must apply in April for a bus pass the following September. There are students in Cork who having failed to get sufficient points, are repeating their leaving certificate examination but after six years of taking the bus to school, they now have to make their own way there. This is illogical and there is no give and take on the matter in the Department of Education and Skills, which does not seem to grasp the issue. Its view is that the students did not apply in time. That does not work, it is a farcical scenario.

It is important that the Minister come before the House to address this situation. If he does not, I will have to tell anyone who comes to me that pupils in sixth year should apply for their bus pass in April just in case they have to repeat their leaving certificate. It would be farcical if 100,000 extra children had to apply for school transport who most likely would not need it but it is the only way that those who repeat will be able to get a seat on the bus. The system is broken. There is no leeway and this must change. The Minister must address this incredible anomaly that he appears to have walked away from. It is something which has caused great trouble to families who not only have to put up with the expense but also the stress. The Minister must come to the House next week and give the parents and students clarity. At the moment, we are getting nowhere.