Vol. 541 No. 4
140 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of the school bus fleet which is less than five years old; between five and ten years old; between ten and 20 years old; over 20 years old; and his views on the acceptability of this fleet. [23005/01]
Details of the percentage of the Bus Éireann school bus fleet, in the age categories outlined by the Deputy, are given in the following tabular statement. A report requesting similar information regarding the school buses provided by private contractors has been requested from Bus Éireann. The information will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
The question of upgrading the school bus fleet is primarily a matter for Bus Éireann and the private contractors who provide a high proportion of the school bus fleet.
As part of their ongoing policy of improving the age and condition of the school bus fleet, Bus Éireann has arrangements in train to purchase more modern vehicles for school transport purposes with an emphasis on replacing the oldest buses in the fleet. In addition, more modern vehicles are being phased into the school bus fleet as new buses are being introduced on road passenger services. These initiatives will result in a further general improvement in the age and condition of this fleet.
Percentage of the Bus Éireann school bus fleet in the age categories specified by the Deputy.
|
Age Category |
% of Buses in each Category |
|
0-4 years |
0.29% |
|
5-10 years |
1.58% |
|
11-20 years |
86.82% |
|
20+ years |
11.32% |
