I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, schools are permitted to reduce the school day by one hour for children in infant classes. It is a matter for the Board of Management of a particular school to decide whether this concession should be applied in the case of its school. In practice, most primary schools operate on this basis. If pupils in infant classes are being given a shorter day, their parents should be notified accordingly and invited to collect them at time of dismissal.
Where this shorter day causes issues for parents, my Department would encourage school authorities to engage with parents locally with a view to arriving at a mutually acceptable resolution.
The School Transport Scheme, operated by Bus Eireann on behalf of my Department, is planned in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible children have a reasonable level of service while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner. The Deputy will appreciate that it is not feasible to organise additional school transport services for children in infant classes who attend for a shorter school day.
