Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand the Senator's frustration. This was the response I was given by the Department of Education. In fairness to the Department, it is continuing to review the situation. From my experience, I know that one of the challenges in several areas is getting drivers. It is a challenge. By the way, the closing statement I have here refers to the Senator as a Deputy. I am sure this was someone looking to the future.

I thank the Senator for the opportunity to update him on the ongoing work on the school transport 2030 review and the roll-out of the pilot areas. As outlined, these pilot projects will provide valuable insights on the impact increased demand will have on the scheme and the potential to integrate public transport services, which is what seems to be being spoken of, with school transport services and the facilitation of more sustainable modes of transport. I remind the Senator that all the Government's commitments to achieving the report's recommendations of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030 will be in addition to the 161,600 children who currently travel daily on school transport services.

A large part of my constituency is rural as well and I understand the challenges there. The choice of school is impacted too. That is another specific issue. I do, therefore, understand fully the difficulties that parents have, but I think the Department is doing everything possible to resolve those issues. Long-term planning is going on regarding this problem, which I think is extremely important. It is going to be rolled out over the next four to five years and it is important that we support the Department in undertaking this work.