Vol. 542 No. 1
130 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether buses carrying school children ought to have seat belts; if the cost of such an improvement has been quantified; and if this cost has been sought from State funds. [23503/01]
Legislation regarding the fitting and use of seat belts in public vehicles is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Under existing regulations passenger seat belts are not compulsory in buses, including those operated under the school transport scheme.
The safety aspects of school transport, including the provision of seat belts are being examined by the school transport section of my Department in consultation with Bus Éireann and The Department of the Environment and Local Government. When this report is completed and assessed, the question of what improvements can be put in place to further improve the safety of the children who use the service will be given serious consideration.
131 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will require by a specific date the display on the windows of school buses of a certificate of road worthiness and a safety compliance certificate. [23504/01]
All vehicles operating under the school transport scheme are required to meet the statutory regulations as laid down by the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Where vehicles have over eight adult seats and are more than one year old, they are required to pass that Department's annual roadworthiness test.
