Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the presence of H.E. Mr. Marijus Gudynas, ambassador of Lithuania to Ireland, in advance of Lithuania's national day tomorrow. The ambassador is most welcome.

I have mentioned on numerous occasions the issues regarding school bus transport in Galway. I know there are issues around the country. I am calling for a debate on this matter. We await the findings of the review on school transport. School transport is a right for those who are eligible. It is something that is highly sought after for those who qualify for concessionary tickets where there is availability. We had a situation in my own area, which thankfully has been resolved, concerning the F2050 bus service from Moycullen to St. Paul's School in Oughterard, which has been off the road since the middle of October for a variety of reasons that I will not go into. Prior to the announcement on Tuesday that the service will resume next Monday, it was extremely frustrating for parents. Thankfully, the matter has been resolved and the service will be resuming from Monday next.

The system is not fair on parents in particular and children. Children probably do not mind how they get to school. Maybe they enjoy a bit of craic on the bus, more so than getting a lift with their parents, but it is the parents who are put out. It is the parents who are frustrated and have to change their plans. While there has been resolution in this case, there are still issues with the service from Moycullen to Galway Educate Together Secondary School, which has been off the road for a number of months as well.

I know there are issues with drivers and buses. The issues on one route have been resolved through pressure from parents, politicians and others. acknowledge that Bus Éireann has finally acted to put a bus on and provide a driver. However, the system is not right. It should not be the case that parents and children are left without school transport for four months. It is not right, irrespective of the reasons involved. I acknowledge that there were reasons for what happened. Whether a driver gets sick or whatever happens, there needs to be a system in place whereby Bus Éireann can react much quicker than it reacted in this case. The odd bit of inconvenience is understandable on occasion, but contingency plans need to be in place. I ask that we engage with the Minister for Education on the review of school transport and invite her to the House to look at it. The issue of the age of bus drivers and allowing those over 70 to drive buses has been raised across this House. It is probably more a matter for Bus Éireann. At the same time, if it were to increase the age limit, which is currently 70, so that 71- or 72-year-olds could drive school buses, it would provide a bit of relief in the system in advance of the next school year. I ask that we have a debate with the Minister, Deputy Foley, on school transport. I acknowledge that thousands of students are brought to school every day without issue, but where problems arise, it causes a huge level of upset, annoyance and frustration.

I ask that the Minister to come to the House to discuss the outcome of the review. I also ask that she ensure that contingency plans are in place where there are delays, such as happened with the Moycullen to St. Paul's Oughterard service over the last number of months.