Pauline Tully (Sinn Fein)

I thank the Minister of State. I understand that would normally be the case, but in this circumstance, their nearest school is full. Even Bus Éireann has said that if the Department of education is satisfied that the nearest school is full, parents must then provide directly to the Department of Education and Youth evidence of an application for enrolment that was made within the deadline, a letter from the school authorities confirming that the school was full and, if necessary, a copy of any appeal. Bus Éireann is saying it will look at the issues where children's nearest schools are full and they must go to the next nearest school. I know the parents of the student in question did apply to the nearest school and were refused. They enrolled in St. Bricin's because they needed a school for their child. St. Bricin's had a place and was willing to take the student. The principal informed me that in April the school was told a service could be provided if there was a sufficient numbers of students. That came from Bus Éireann, to clarify. I can get further details from the principal and send them to the Minister of State.