Written Answers. - School Transport.
Michael Creed
Question:
65
Mr. Creed
asked the
Minister for Education
if she has satisfied herself with the level of safety on the school bus transport scheme; and the reason Bus Éireann no longer require Section 60 licences from private contractors who work on a contract basis for them.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the overall operation of the School transport scheme is constantly under review, to ensure that the best and safest possible service is delivered.
Bus Éireann, who operate the service on behalf of my Department, are justifiably proud of their safety record in operating the school transport scheme. They place special emphasis on safety and, to this end, have a wide range of checking procedures in place to ensure a safe and reliable service which are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that standards are maintained.
All vehicles operating under the scheme meet rigid safety standards and, where vehicles have over eight adult seats and are more than one year old, they are required to pass the Department of the Environment tests, in regard to road-worthiness.
The school transport scheme involves travel throughout the entire country in both remote rural areas and populous urban centres. All routes are examined with regard to the suitability of the roads for the various types of vehicle used. Safe set-down-, turning- and pick-up points are carefully selected, always with safety in mind.
In the planning of routes, road conditions, traffic hazards, and all other aspects of safety are considered. Services are monitored and, if conditions deteriorate or dangers arise, they are revised to ensure safety.
Bus Éireann undertake safety promotions at regular intervals so as to alert teachers, parents and children to safety aspects of the service. Their Inspectors also speak to groups of pupils on the subject of safety, as part of their normal duties. They continue to place the highest emphasis on safety and the Deputy will be aware of their recent safety video which I had the pleasure of launching in February this year.
All private contractors employed by Bus Éireann under the school transport scheme must hold either: (a) a public service vehicle licence, as defined in Article 80 (2) of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, SI 190 of 1963, which enables them to undertake work for hire and reward, other than school transport, or (b) a school vehicle licence, as defined in Article 60 of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, SI 181 of 1963, which restricts them to school transport only.
These licences are issued and renewed by the local Gárda PSV Officers, following an inspection of the vehicle. The trend in recent times is that more contractors are opting for the Public Service Vehicle licence (A above) which enables them to undertake other work.
