asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware that the manufacturers of Toyota Coaster minibuses claim that the vehicle is built to carry 21 passengers, but the vehicle is deemed by the PSV inspectors to be a nine seater; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Written Answers. - Mini Buses Seating Capacity.
595.
I recently asked the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána for a report on this matter. Under the Road Traffic Acts and regulations made thereunder, responsibility for the licensing of vehicles as public service vehicles rests with the Commissioner. A clear distinction must be drawn between the number of passengers which a vehicle might be designed to carry and the number which it may be licensed to carry as a public service vehicle.
The Acts distinguish between two types of public service vehicles — those with passenger accommodation for up to eight passengers, i.e. small public service vehicles and those with accommodation for more than eight passengers, i.e. large public service vehicles. It is a matter for the Commissioner to decide on the basis of the relevant regulations as to whether a vehicle may appropriately be licensed as a small or large public service vehicle. In the latter case, he must in particular have regard to whether the vehicle complies with the special requirements of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations applicable to large public service vehicles.