Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach.

I thank the Minister of State for the response. I guess what I was hoping to hear within it would be more details around the planned pilot scheme. Where the Department states details to the areas to be included will be available shortly, what is defined by "shortly"? Are we to expect this within the next couple of weeks? What are the criteria that will be used to determine what are the pilot schemes to be selected?

It is my view that the group that I mentioned in Wexford, and whom the Minister had met, would be ideal for a pilot scheme because we are talking about over 190 children. It fits perfectly within what is recommended in the school transport scheme 2030 report.

However, I am concerned that we are not seeing the detail now as to how the pilot schemes will operate. The Minister of State will appreciate that it is now May. It will be important for any of the parents to know as soon as possible as to when these pilot schemes will commence and I would be grateful if the Minister of State could clarify that.