Vol. 534 No. 5
225 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to make safety seat belts obligatory on school buses in view of the fact that many children are travelling long distances and, during their term summer trips, schools can travel up to 100 miles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11197/01]
Under Department of the Environment and Local Government legislation the provision of seat belts on school buses is not obligatory. My Department is carrying out a review of safety procedures in relation to school buses. The provision of seat belts will be considered as part of the review.
226 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of buses being used to transport children to schools which are overcrowded on a daily basis; the legal number of passengers which can be carried; the safety regulations in this regard; and the steps which are taken to ensure that the regulations are adhered to. [11198/01]
The carrying capacity of school buses is determined by the Department of the Environment and Local Government legislation. Under these regulations, the licensed carrying capacity of all vehicles engaged in school transport is based on a ratio of three pupils to every two adult seats.
