School transport scheme ‘shambles’ must not repeat

The publishing of the School Transport Scheme review is a matter of priority that must be addressed by government a Longford Westemath TD has claimed.

The review, which began in February 2021, sees the existing scheme operating on a temporary basis in the meantime.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Sorca Clarke, urged the government to publish the overdue School Transport Scheme review.

Speaking today in the Dáil Deputy Clarke demanded government intervention to conclude and publish the report “so that families can be confident their child will have a place on school transport”.

“These delays aren’t good enough,” Deputy Clarke said, “It is vital that this service is expanded significantly and that every pupil who wants to avail of school transport can actually do so.”

She spoke out about the necessity for the review: “After the shambles government caused with School Transport last year that saw both Concessionary and Eligible students without a seat on the bus, and knowing the impact it had on families across the country, why haven’t you ensured that this Review, ongoing now for over two and a half years has been concluded, brought to government, and published?”

Deputy Clarke added: “Families are worried about whether their child will secure a place or not. These delays are unnecessary and unfair. Government must act quickly to give families the certainty they need to plan.”