Vol. 546 No. 1
175 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his policy for school children travelling to school on a school bus allows three children to be seated on a two- person seat whilst travelling; the reason seat-belts are not included; if a review of this operation is proposed; if liaison or a report has been initiated by his Department with the Department of the Environment in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31195/01]
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 Regulations, the licensed carrying capacity of vehicles engaged in school transport is based on a ratio of three pupils for every two adult seats. The three for two seating ratio and the position regarding seatbelts 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. The matter will be reconsidered when this examination is completed.
