Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Mar 1998

Vol. 489 No. 1

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

39 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions, if any, he has had with the Department of the Environment and Local Government in relation to a review of safety standards on school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7507/98]

Tom Enright

Question:

58 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussions, if any, he has had with the Department of the Environment and Local Government in relation to a review of safety standards on school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7508/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 39 and 58 together.

While I have had no discussions with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government concerning safety standards on school buses, the overall operation of the school transport scheme is constantly under review to ensure the best and safest possible service is delivered. All vehicles operating under the scheme meet rigid safety stanards 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 and Local Government tests in regard to roadworthiness.

Bus Éireann, which operates the service on behalf of my Department, is justifiably proud of its safety record in operating the school transport scheme. It places special emphasis on safety and, to this end, has a wide range of checking procedures in place to ensure a safe and reliable service. These checking procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure standards are maintained.