New laws are to be introduced which will force schools to consult with parents and students and provide much greater transparency under a ‘Parent and Student Charter’.

A national anti-bullying programme needs to be rolled out across the country according to a panel of experts behind Ireland’s first online resource to help those affected.

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn wants schools to stop insisting on expensive uniforms that are adding huge burdens to struggling families, but says he does not have the power to make them change their policies.