Vol. 453 No. 8
92 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment if he intends to review the regulations pertaining to minibus drivers and bus drivers ferrying school children in view of the European directive relating to this issue. [7413/95]
102 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for the Environment the guidelines if any, his Department has issued regarding the provision of seat belts on buses and coaches used to transport children to and from schools. [9199/95]
105 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment the proposals, if any, he has to introduce mandatory seat belts on coaches in view of evidence that such seat belts would help prevent casualties in the event of an accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8949/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 102 and 105 together.
Minibus drivers and bus drivers must, under Directive 80/1263/EEC and the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1989 to 1994, hold a valid driving licence for category D or D1, as appropriate. Directive 91/439/EEC will replace the current directive with effect from 1 July 1996 but will require no specific amendments in relation to driving licences for minibuses or buses.
The law on the fitting and wearing of seat belts generally is contained in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 1993. My Department has published a leaflet containing guidance on the regulations but this does not, of course, purport to be a legal interpretation of the law. I am sending a copy of this leaflet to Deputy Fitzgerald.
Buses and coaches 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 EU internal market. I understand, however, that the EU Commission will shortly make formal proposals for a Type Approval Directive requiring the fitting of anchorages and seat belts in all seats in all new coaches capable of exceeding 60 mph, and in all new minibuses. Ireland's support for such a requirement has been conveyed to the Commission.
