There is growing concern over the rising cost of fuel and the impact it could have on school transport, with bus contractors still waiting for clarity on Government support payments.
Despite almost €7 million being allocated for fuel supports, school bus contractors have told Irish Country Living they could be forced to park up their vehicles as diesel prices approach €2 a litre, potentially leaving children without transport to school.
With the exemption on fuel excise due to be reversed next month, contractors say they need to know what support they will receive from Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
They are also calling for greater transparency around the payments, so they can plan ahead for the coming school year.
Jacqueline Hogge from the Irish Farmers Journal joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more.