The Department of Education’s “continued delay” to release the findings of the School Transport Scheme review is “sounding alarm bells,” a Fine Gael Senator has said, as he accused the Minister of “stalling.”
In a statement over the weekend, Senator Tim Lombard said that the “continued failure” to disclose the outcome of the review “jeopardises the much-needed, updated transport scheme” for 2024. He argued that students and parents “throughout the country” had “longstanding concerns” about whether or not they will have school transport for the academic year.
The School Transport Review began in February 2021, and included an examination of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs. It also included a look at school transport trends, costs, and cost drivers, as well as overall effectiveness.
“We have yet to see the report – never mind implement changes to the scheme before the new school year,” Lombard said.
“There is no sense of urgency from the Minister here and if she doesn’t act soon, students and parents will face the same issues they faced last year next September.”
Lombard argued that “the clock was ticking” to implement the plan’s recommendations.
“The silence from Minister for Education Norma Foley is deafening,” he said.
“The news of the review’s completion broke over three weeks ago, and we are still left without any official findings from the Minister and her Department. Meanwhile, applications for the 2024/2025 school year will open this month and close on 20th April.
“The clock is ticking, and I am concerned that the swift action we need on this matter will not be possible.”
The Senator said that there was “immense frustration” as “we are all left waiting in the dark.”
“At this stage the children who were in Junior Infants in January 2021 when the review commenced will be moving to secondary school before anyone sees the report or any changes are made to the scheme. This is not good enough,” Senator Lombard concluded.
A Department of Education spokesperson told Gript the review will be brought to Government “shortly.”
“A review of the School Transport Scheme has recently been completed,” they said.
“The final report includes recommendations on the operation and strategic development of the scheme. It is expected that the review will be brought to Government shortly and further to Government approval, the review will be published.”