Menu
23/08/2016
School Transport Needs To Be Addressed - Nolan
The Minister of State with Responsibility for School Transport, John Halligan, has been called to "urgently" address cases where students previously in receipt of school transport are now being denied a place.
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education and Skills, Teachta Carol Nolan, said in some cases, students who have attended a particular school for the last number of years are being advised to attend a different school.
She said: "I am aware of a number of cases in Donegal, Cork, Kilkenny, and my own constituency of Offaly, where students who were previously in receipt of school transport have been told that they can not avail of it this year.
"It is clear that, while the nearest school rule introduced by Fianna Fail and implemented by Fine Gael and Labour may, on the face of it, appear to be an efficient arrangement, it is in fact a restrictive measure that simply does not work in practice.
"The fact that parents have only been informed that their child will not have a place on the school bus in late August when preparations to send the child back to school are well underway is a complete farce.
"The Minister of State made a commitment in the Dáil that no student would lose a seat on the school bus this September and it appears that this is not the case."
(CD)
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education and Skills, Teachta Carol Nolan, said in some cases, students who have attended a particular school for the last number of years are being advised to attend a different school.
She said: "I am aware of a number of cases in Donegal, Cork, Kilkenny, and my own constituency of Offaly, where students who were previously in receipt of school transport have been told that they can not avail of it this year.
"It is clear that, while the nearest school rule introduced by Fianna Fail and implemented by Fine Gael and Labour may, on the face of it, appear to be an efficient arrangement, it is in fact a restrictive measure that simply does not work in practice.
"The fact that parents have only been informed that their child will not have a place on the school bus in late August when preparations to send the child back to school are well underway is a complete farce.
"The Minister of State made a commitment in the Dáil that no student would lose a seat on the school bus this September and it appears that this is not the case."
(CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 September 2015
Children Eligible For School Transport Denied Access - FF
The Minister for Education is being urged to investigate why children who are eligible for school transport are being denied the service. Bus Éireann is failing to accommodate their children, despite them being fully eligible for the school transport scheme.
Children Eligible For School Transport Denied Access - FF
The Minister for Education is being urged to investigate why children who are eligible for school transport are being denied the service. Bus Éireann is failing to accommodate their children, despite them being fully eligible for the school transport scheme.
21 August 2014
Govt Urged To Waive School Transport Fees Until Medical Card Review is Complete
The government has been urged to suspend school transport fees for families still waiting on the outcome of their medical card review.
Govt Urged To Waive School Transport Fees Until Medical Card Review is Complete
The government has been urged to suspend school transport fees for families still waiting on the outcome of their medical card review.
24 July 2012
Troy Calls For Common Sense Approach To School Transport Fiasco
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children, Robert Troy TD, is calling on the Government to intervene and use common sense with plans to restrict free school transport.
Troy Calls For Common Sense Approach To School Transport Fiasco
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children, Robert Troy TD, is calling on the Government to intervene and use common sense with plans to restrict free school transport.
22 April 2015
Govt Criticised Over New School Bus Distance Scheme
Fianna Fáil has criticised the government over changes to the school transport scheme, announced by Bus Éireann. Donegal Deputy Charlie McConalogue claimed that the new scheme will see pupils from the Urris area "forced to relocate from Carndonagh to Buncrana". "This new system is completely senseless.
Govt Criticised Over New School Bus Distance Scheme
Fianna Fáil has criticised the government over changes to the school transport scheme, announced by Bus Éireann. Donegal Deputy Charlie McConalogue claimed that the new scheme will see pupils from the Urris area "forced to relocate from Carndonagh to Buncrana". "This new system is completely senseless.
05 September 2019
25% Of Pupils With Disabilities On Short School Days
One in four children with disabilities in Ireland are missing classes and opportunities to socialise with other children as they are on short school days, a new report has found.
25% Of Pupils With Disabilities On Short School Days
One in four children with disabilities in Ireland are missing classes and opportunities to socialise with other children as they are on short school days, a new report has found.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
