Parents groups disagree over school bus boycott

A split has emerged between parents' groups in their response to the school bus controversy.

The National Parents Council today called for a boycott of school buses after it was revealed that thousands of pupils would go back to school next month on overcrowded vehicles, as new buses wouldn't be ready.

However, the National Parents Association for Vocational Schools and Community Colleges said that was tantamount to using young people as weapons.

Labour Party Deputy Eamon Gilmore said it was up to the Government to take action.

“I think the very least that the minister owes to the children and the parents of the country is to accelerate the safety measures and to provide some explanation as to why her department had been more concerned about cutting costs than about increasing safety for the children traveling," he said.