Vol. 529 No. 3
52 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself with the general condition and testing arrangements for the school bus fleet in view of the recent serious incident involving a school bus in Galway; if he will take further precautions on foot of this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2766/01]
Safety on school buses is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Éireann, who operate 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.
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 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. This test is carried out as directed by the Department of the Environment and Local Government, in test centres authorised by that Department. Only buses that have passed this test are used in school transport operations.
