Increasing the cost of school bus passes could force families to look for alternative means of transport, it has been claimed.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Fine Gael education spokesman Brian Hayes said that proposals to raise the cost of transport to 500 euros per year for each child could also have serious safety implications.

He noted that the idea of a state school transport scheme is that youngsters arrive at school safe and on time.

"There have been very significant increases already and that had a very negative effect on families in rural areas. If it is extended further, it's going to demolish the idea of free education," Mr Hayes commented.

Bus fares for Irish schoolchildren have already been increased in the last year, as prices have risen from 168 euros to 300 euros for junior students and from 213 euros to 300 euros a year for senior cycle pupils.

Written by Donal Walsh

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