John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of school transport, though I know it is proposed to have a debate on it next Thursday. I have been dealing with a particular family in west Waterford who, due to connectivity issues and through no fault of their own, submitted a late application for school transport for their three children, two of whom received a seat on the school bus last year. Bus Éireann has since accepted their application and payment for school transport for the three children this year. While I understand that priority has to be given to those who submitted their applications on time, there are four free spaces on the bus that passes this family's door but these three kids have not been able to access them. Common sense is seriously lacking. This is not just an issue for me in west Waterford. I am sure this is an issue for many Members of this House right across the country because common sense and joined-up thinking are clearly lacking.This needs to be addressed at ministerial level. If it is necessary to establish a clearing house to which Oireachtas Members can submit common-sense issues, then I ask that the Leader ensure this is done. We cannot allow this situation to continue. The bus passes the house of the family to which I refer. There are four free spaces on the vehicle and only three children in the family waiting to get on it. However, they are prevented from doing so. That is ridiculous.