Call for solution to school bus shortages

Parents around the country are said to be "distraught" over the controversy of a shortage in school buses for the nest academic year.

Yesterday, the Department of Education announced that thousands children will go back to school next month on overcrowded buses, as new buses will not be ready.

Opposition parties have called on Minister of Education, Mary Hanafin, to address parents' concerns.

"The Minister has to come out and withdraw her ruling that children should get out of school buses," said Fine Gael spokeswoman on Transport, Olivia Mitchell.

"She's been in hiding now, and she's not a Minister known for being bashful or retiring," she says.