Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 4

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.

Jack Wall

Question:

348 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans he has to legislate for the compulsory use of seat belts in all vehicles, including school buses and coaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23126/01]

Jack Wall

Question:

349 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans he has to legislate for the provision of seat belts for all children in school buses and coaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23127/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 348 and 349 together.

Current road traffic regulations require the fitting of seat belts in all forward facing front seats in all minibuses, including those used as school buses, which have a design gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3500 kg and were first registered on or after 1 January 1992. Under EU Directive 96/36/EC, member states may require that all seating positions in new passenger vehicles with seating for more than eight persons excluding the driver, are fitted with seat belts, although vehicles designed to accommodate standing passengers are excluded. The adoption of this requirement would, inter alia, involve the phasing out of the present 3:2 rule which applies to school buses.

My Department is at present finalising a working paper on school bus safety, in consultation with the Department of Education and Science and Bus Éireann. It is intended that this paper will 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 Commission proposals for an approval specification for buses in general and the mandatory use of seat belts in all vehicles in which they are fitted. 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 process to provide all interested parties with the opportunity to respond and assist in developing practical improvements in relation to school bus safety.