Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)

I raise an issue very important to my constituency. With the closure of deadlines for the school bus scheme for this year, a particular area and blackspot in my constituency is just outside of Crossmolina - the area of Coolturk, Eskeragh and Dooleague. There are 20 students without access to the school they attend, Crossmolina National School. The students have family links and connections to this school. Unfortunately, over the past number of years, they have not been eligible for the bus to school scheme. I have met with the families. I would welcome a discussion with the Minister for Education on this. It is very important for all the families in this area at a time when we need to encourage sustainable transport and sustainable travel to school in an area where there is plenty of congestion in the morning. We need to further support communities in rural areas. When we are at such high employment with families working, we need to make sure we have fair access for all parents and families. This is my first opportunity to raise this at an Oireachtas level and I would welcome a discussion on the matter. I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me an opportunity to speak on this. I hope we can deliver for the families in this area.