Vol. 541 No. 2
1074 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the prac tice of accommodating three secondary school students in seats designed for two persons on school buses is conducive to safe transportation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21653/01]
The loading on all school buses is determined by the relevant sections of the Road Traffic Regulations (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles), which are laid down by the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Under PSV, public service vehicle regulations, the licensed carrying capacity of all vehicles engaged in school transport is based on a ratio of three pupils for every two adult seats.
Safety on school transport is of paramount importance to my Department and Bus Éireann, which operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. Great care is taken to ensure that loading does not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity of the vehicles. The safety aspects of school transport, including the three for two seating ratio is being examined by the school transport section of my Department in consultation with Bus Éireann and the Department of the Environment and Local Government.
