Parents encouraged to have their say on school bus survey

It's running until early February.

A new consultation has been opened as part of a review into the school transport scheme.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth has welcomed news that the Minister for Education and party colleague, Norma Foley.

It's being conducted by the Department of Education and includes school transport for children with special educational needs and the primary and post-primary school transport schemes.

It will examine the current scheme and its effectiveness and sustainability, with a view to ensuring that it serves students and their families appropriately.

Other issues under consideration include the efficiency of the service and to also examine potential scope for a more co-ordinated approach with other Government departments involved in transport services.

Deputy Smyth says school transport problems are frequently raised in this region.

"Every year hundreds of parents contact my office distressed with issues in obtaining their family bus tickets. I have seen first-hand the distress this causes in the household as parents are left with no other choice other than to drop their children to school - an added stress in this demanding world.

"After raising these cases with the Department, I'm delighted that my colleague Minister Norma Foley has opened a consultation process with stakeholders, as part of the review of the school transport scheme."

The survey can be accessed HERE.

The closing date for completing these surveys is Thursday, February 10.