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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 12 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 5

Written Answers - School Transport.

Jack Wall

Question:

153 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his plans for school buses to have safety seat belts as a compulsory item; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11179/01]

My Department is at present finalising a working paper on school bus safety in consultation with the Department of Education and Science. It is intended that this paper will, inter alia, address the provision of seat belts in school buses. The analysis will take account of EU directives regarding the provision of seat belts in certain new buses on an optional basis as well as further European Commission proposals for an EU type approval specification for buses in general. The paper will also seek to clarify the benefits as well as the operational and economic implications of requiring seat belts to be fitted in school buses. I intend that the forthcoming paper will support a public consultation which will provide all interested parties with the opportunity to respond and assist in developing practical improvements in relation to school bus safety.

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