John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the case of a bus which serves an area in respect of which there are only 15 eligible children but 20 seats on the bus, rather than leave seats empty we allow concessionaries on the bus. The system provides for 24,700 concessionary children. However, if in the example given an eligible child comes forward the following year, he or she has a right under the scheme to a place on that bus, resulting, regrettably, in a concessionary having to be taken off the bus. I am obliged to adhere to the provisions of what was set out prior to my coming into office.

I offered representatives from all parties an opportunity to meet school transport providers, including Bus Éireann. I was the first Minister to provide members from all areas with dedicated numbers for Bus Éireann and other transport providers. One has to view the scheme in the round, in particular the number of children it caters for twice a day every day. With the exception of a few children who have fallen through the system, all children in Ireland eligible for school transport get it.