The increases in school bus charges as announced in October's Budget are now beginning to hit home with families being asked to fork out hundreds of euro in additional transport costs for their children for next term claims Deputy Seán Sherlock.

While the impact of such a decision would be minimal in urban areas, the school bus system is the lifeblood of many communities, especially in rural areas. The increased charges are arbitrary and make no sense. In one instance that I know of, the charge for one child for a six-mile journey has gone from €150 - 300 and they have two children attending school by bus which means a outlay of €600 before this family even begin paying for uniforms, books etc, " said the Labour TD

"The net result of this is that people will simply not be able to afford school buses and will revert to using their cars. The decree to hike school bus charges is very puzzling, coming from a Govt that that is being propped up by the Green Party.

"My understanding of the Green Party position before they entered Govt, was that we should encourage the use of buses and other forms public transport, and that we should be providing people with opportunities to use alternatives to their cars. I would support that position, but increasing bus charges flies in the face of any such aspiration," he added.