Vol. 515 No. 4
169 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has for the upgrading of the school bus fleet; if he has satisfied himself that all these vehicles are fully roadworthy, safe and environmentally safe; if he will submit these vehicles for a test similar to that required for private cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6384/00]
The safety standards of vehicles used for school transport is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Eireann, who operate the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department. Bus Eireann has a very good safety record in the operation of school transport and an ongoing commitment to highlight safety in this regard. I should also mention that the age profile and quality of vehicle of the Bus Eireann school bus fleet is being significantly improved due to the ongoing programme of fleet replacement.
Bus Eireann vehicles are serviced every six weeks under specified maintenance procedures to ensure that the highest safety standards are achieved. Any faults coming to the notice of Bus Eireann's maintenance staff are dealt with immediately. A large proportion of the existing Bus Eireann school bus fleet was refurbished during summer 1999.
A test for school transport vehicles is already in place. All vehicles operating under the scheme are required to meet the statutory regulations as laid down by the Department of the Environment and Local Government and are subject to a roadworthiness test. Where vehicles have over eight adult seats and are more than one year old, they are required to pass that Department's annual roadworthiness test. All school transport vehicles are also subject to regular inspection to ensure their reliability is maintained throughout the year.
