Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy John Halligan, for coming to the House. He may remember he was here before at my request in relation to school transport.At the time, the Minister of State promised that no child would be left without a seat on a school bus. I am afraid that is not the picture we see today. In the limited time I have, I want to ask the Minister of State why we cannot have bigger buses. It makes no sense whatsoever that a provider is in a situation in which it can provide a bigger bus but the Department is saying it cannot happen.

I also want to ask about repeat leaving certificate students. Students do not know until the middle of August whether they have to repeat or not. Their applications are then treated as late applications. Can the Department recategorise it so they are not treated as late applications?

The Department has split parishes and families with school transport. I ask for it to be reviewed. Exactly how much has been saved by the school transport cuts over the years? School transport is becoming less and less viable. The original intention was to get rid of school transport. We are now making it impossible for families and students to get on the school bus. We have to remember that school transport is an integral part of the education system. Taking away school transport directly affects the most vulnerable students and families.