Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 5

Written Answers. - School Transport Scheme.

Declan Bree

Question:

120 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Education the responsibility of her Department for the safety of children travelling on the school transport service; if the children are covered by an insurance scheme; and if so, the conditions of the scheme. [17210/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I assure the Deputy that all pupils carried under the school transport scheme, whether on Bus Éireann or on contractors' vehicles, are covered by insurance while travelling.

Safety is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Éireann, which operates the scheme on its behalf. Bus Éireann carries its own insurance and all Bus Éireann vehicles operating under the school transport scheme are covered. In the case of contractors' vehicles, it is a legal requirement and also a condition of contract that such vehicles carry current motor insurance at all times when operating under the scheme.