Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 9

Written Answers. - Bus Design and Construction.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

182 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the recent bus tragedy in Canterbury, England, he will make it mandatory to have buses equipped with seat belts throughout; if he will make their use compulsory by all occupants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith)

Buses in use in this country are generally built outside Ireland and our capacity to influence bus design and construction is therefore limited. In addition, national regulations imposing unique bus construction requirements could be deemed to be a barrier to the movement of vehicles within the internal market.

I understand, however, that the EC Commission are considering the formulation of an appropriate type approval directive requiring new buses to be fitted with anchorages and seat belts to standards laid down by the EC. I have written to the EC Commissioner for Transport conveying my support for this. It is also open to the EC Commission to propose a directive making the wearing of bus seat belts, where fitted, compulsory.