Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 8

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

268 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the current position regarding school transport in County Offaly in view of the fact that 77 secondary school children from the Daingean area are transported daily in a 52 seater bus to secondary schools at Tullamore, County Offaly; his views on whether this is a satisfactory arrangement in relation to safety aspects in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19312/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

I am aware that the vehicle operating the Daingean service is a 53 seater coach, which is licensed to carry up to 79 pupils. Under the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and use of Vehicles) Regulations, the licensed carrying of school transport vehicles is based on a ratio of three pupils to every two adult seats.

Bus Éireann, who act as agents for my Department in operation of the transport scheme, is fully compliant with this legislation. It ensures that loadings on all school transport vehicles do not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity of the different bus types in use.

I assure the Deputy that safety is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Éireann. All aspects of safety, including carrying capacity, are monitored on an ongoing basis.

John Perry

Question:

269 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department will review the decision made in relation to persons (details supplied) in County Sligo regarding the request that they are picked up outside the home in view of the circumstances of their case. [19394/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin):

Under the primary school transport scheme, routes are planned so that no eligible child will have more than 1.5 miles to travel to a pick-up point. The pupils in question live 0.5 miles from the existing pick-up point. This is considered to reperesent a very reasonable level of service in the context of the overall operation of the scheme. I regret, therefore, that the present arrangement is the most that can be offered.