Denis Naughten
Question:400 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans he has to upgrade the school bus fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15769/01]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Bus Éireann operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department. The number of vehicles engaged to provide services under the school transport scheme is currently 3,030, of which 698 are Bus Éireann buses. The remainder are provided by private contractors engaged by Bus Éireann. These figures include vehicles retained as spares and required for replacement purposes from time to time. The question of the replacement of vehicles no longer considered suitable for school transport is a matter for Bus Éireann and the contractors.
The age profile and quality of vehicles of the Bus Éireann school bus fleet is being significantly improved due to the ongoing programme of fleet replacement. Bus Éireann is responsible for the safe condition of the vehicles in use and has a wide range of checking procedures in place to ensure a safe and reliable service. Contractors employed by Bus Éireann must satisfy strict criteria and must hold a road passenger operator's licence.
All vehicles operating under the scheme have to meet rigid safety standards. Where vehicles have over eight adult seats and are more than one year old, they are required to pass the Department of the Environment and Local Government tests in regard to roadworthiness. All school transport vehicles are also subject to regular inspection to ensure their reliability is maintained throughout the year. The vehicles have to be kept and maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition and to comply in all respects with the Road Traffic Acts.