Peter Barry
Question:260 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Environment if he will give details of (a) the system of inspection which his Department have for public service vehicles and (b) the frequency with which each vehicle is inspected.
Written Answers. - Public Service Vehicle Inspections.
Under the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1992 responsibility for the inspection of public service vehicles (including the manner of inspection) is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. Article 20 of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Licensing) Regulations, 1978 provides that public service vehicles may be inspected at any time and as often as the commissioner thinks fit. In the case of large public service vehicles, (i.e. those with more than eight passenger seats) an inspection must be undertaken at least once in every year and small public service vehicles (taxis and private hire vehicles) must be inspected before a licence may be granted or renewed (i.e. generally on an annual basis).
In addition, since 1983, all buses over one year old (including those licensed as large public service vehicles) must be tested for roadworthiness on an annual basis by authorised testers appointed by local licensing authorities under the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations.