Phil Hogan
Question:152 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria used to assess the quality and safety standards of the school transport fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13164/00]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Safety on school buses is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department. Bus Éireann 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 Éireann school bus fleet is being significantly improved due to the ongoing programme of fleet replacement.
Bus Éireann 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 Éireann's maintenance staff are dealt with immediately. A large proportion of the existing Bus Éireann school bus fleet was refurbished during summer 1999.
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.
Contractors employed by Bus Éireann to provide services under the school transport scheme must satisfy strict criteria and must hold a road passenger operator's licence. Vehicles nominated for use under the scheme must be suitable for the conveyance of school children and must have complete and current documentation in respect of both buses and drivers as required by law. This includes a PSV licence, certificate of roadworthiness, certificate of insurance and tax disc. Drivers must have a valid driving licence for the class of vehicle to be driven. The vehicles have to be kept and maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition and comply in all respects with the Road Traffic Acts. Vehicles must be kept clean internally and externally to the satisfaction of Bus Éireann. Contractor's vehicles are subject to inspection/testing by Bus Éireann inspectors from time to time to ensure the safety of pupils travelling on buses.
Liam Aylward
Question:153 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 258 of 23 March 2000, he will report on the progress in this case (details supplied); and if an escort has been appointed. [13176/00]
Liam Aylward
Question:158 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in having a replacement escort appointed to assist a child (details supplied) in County Kilkenny on the school bus. [13198/00]
I propose to take Questions No. 153 and 158 together.
I am aware of the matter to which the Deputy refers. I understand that the school authorities are having difficulties in finding a suitable person to act as escort on the school bus on which the child in question is transported to school. I would like to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to recruit an escort on the service and to restore transport to this child as quickly as possible.