Cecilia Keaveney
Question:202 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education the basic regulations that are expected from school buses in relation to numbers carried. [11707/96]
Written Answers. - School Bus Regulations.
Under existing public service vehicle regulations the licensed carrying capacity of all vehicles engaged in transport under the terms of the school transport scheme is based on a ratio of three pupils to every two adult seats. Bus Éireann, which operates the scheme on behalf of my Department, ensures that the loadings do not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity of the different bus types in use.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:203 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education the age at which a school bus is decommissioned. [11708/96]
There is no standard age at which school buses are decommissioned. I am satisfied, however, that all vehicles operating the scheme meet all safety standards. Vehicles operated by Bus Éireann and private contractors are subject to an annual roadworthiness check and regular inspection to ensure a safe and reliable service for transporting schoolchildren.