asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that in relation to the issue of certificates of competency for public service vehicles no anti-tilt facilities exist for such vehicles in this country and that such vehicles are therefore not properly insured under the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers . - PSV Competency Certificates .
639.
: As regards the first part of the question, I am so aware.
Regulations under the Road Traffic Acts require all buses having accommodation for more than 14 passengers to meet specified standards of stability which are expressed in terms of a minimum safe angle of tilt. This requirement is enforced by the Garda as a condition of public service vehicle licensing and proof of compliance with stability standards is normally furnished to them by the manufacturers or distributors of the buses concerned. Where a person converts a goods van to a public service vehicle, the onus of proof of compliance with stability requirements rests with the applicant for the licence.
I am not aware that there is any difficulty in obtaining insurance for licensed public service vehicles.