School transport u-turn underlines need for Dáil to return

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin TD
20 August 2020

After the u-turn on secondary school transport, Labour Education spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called for the Dáil to return and said clarity was needed on how additional transport will be provided in time for schools reopening despite contrary guidance issuing to schools only last Friday.

Deputy Ó Ríordáin said:

“Despite the Department of Education previously issuing guidance just last Friday regarding no social distancing on school transport, today we once again learn of another government u-turn.

“With a week to go before schools reopen it’s not clear how many post primary pupils will be on socially distanced buses with capacity reduced by half.

“The Department refers to rolling implementation indicating the new rules may not be fully in place with buses then operating above 50% capacity.

“The Department’s statement indicates that additional services will be provided as required but it’s not clear if that extra capacity will be in place when schools reopen. 

“What this latest development shows is the urgent need for the Dáil to be recalled, and for the Minister and her officials to answer questions and provide detailed reassurance.”

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