PARENTS groups have called for all buses carrying young people to be placed under the same regulations as those operating under the State-funded school transport system.

THOUSANDS of Leaving Certificate students have not had an opportunity to consult a guidance counsellor at school, research among callers to a helpline suggests.

ONE could almost have sympathy for Education Minister Mary Hanafin when, with a helpless shrug, she pleaded that it was not possible to have every school bus fitted with seat belts by September.

PARENTS have called for the immediate fitting of seat belts in all school buses to help prevent a repeat of Monday’s tragic events.