asked the Minister for Justice the frequency with which the Garda carriage inspectors inspect buses used in Dublin.
83.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inspection of Dublin Buses.
82.
Mr. Ryan
Mr. Ryan
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the matters which concern the Garda carriage inspector in his examination of buses; and, in particular, whether he is concerned with the ability of any particular bus to go without breaking down, provided it is otherwise safe.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.
Every bus licensed as a public service vehicle has to be inspected at least once a year by a member of the Garda Síochána qualified to make such an inspection. In addition, a bus is inspected if it is involved in an accident, or if any structural alteration is made in it or if a complaint about it is received by the Garda Síochána.
The examination is primarily directed towards ensuring that the vehicle is safe both mechanically and otherwise, but it also extends to the general suitability of the vehicle for the accommodation of passengers, and a bus that was in such a condition that it appeared to the examiner to be particularly prone to breaking down would not be passed by him.