A generation counts the cost of cuts

* Third level fees are set to rise to €2,000 for students, many of whom will be unable to pay or will be put off from continuing their studies as a result of the rate. The second and third child of a family whose first child went to third level will be charged a €1,500 registration fee instead of the €2,000 sum

* Primary school pupils will be charged €50 to travel on the school bus from next autumn. The unprecedented move is part of a €4.5 million school transport savings package. While the primary rate will be limited to €110 per family, secondary school students will face a €350 charge — up €50