Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has raised concerns that the Department of Education is rolling out a “cunning plan to finish off school transport”.
The TD has been speaking to parents and operators of bus services throughout his constituency since last week’s announcement by the Minister of Education, Norma Foley.
According to Fitzmaurice, it is either “a cunning plan to finish off school transport”, or “just another impulsive decision by this Government without any considerations for the wider impact that it could have”.
He said: “First of all, they are talking about a requirement for an extra 1,600 buses. Having spoken to people in the industry, it is very questionable whether they are even there (at that level) at the moment.
“Also, many bus companies are struggling to find drivers for the buses that they have due to the long lay-offs caused by Covid-19 forcing their previous drivers to find alternative work. One would have to wonder whether this is a cunning plan to further reduce the number of students availing of discretionary school transport services.
“The minister also revealed that parents would be compensated if they decided to drop their children to school, rather than opting for the bus service. But what happens if the numbers availing of the bus drop below the minimum threshold of 10? Will the bus then be cancelled?
“This raises huge concerns, as it could then prove very difficult to reinstate the service. Is this evidence of further underhanded tactics by the Department, or just a lack of understanding of the implications its decisions could have?
“Meanwhile, what happens in an area where parents came together, without any financial assistance, to organise a private bus company to collect their children? Will they be expected to pay double or will those parents be compensated? The lack of clarity around all of these issues is leading to major frustrations”.
The Independent TD called for the Minister of Transport, Eamon Ryan to intervene on these issues.
