Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Road Traffic Regulations.

Willie Penrose

Question:

746 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if road traffic regulations specify that it is necessary to have a head rest in a motor vehicle; if it is specified that the motor vehicle, which the person to be tested drives, has to have a head rest in relation to a competency test carried out by his Department; if it is mandatory to have same installed in the motor vehicle; if it is a ground for a tester from his Department to refuse to conduct a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1636/02]

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

My Department requires driving test candidates to ensure that where the seats of the vehicle to be used for a driving test were designed to hold head restraints, these restraints must be in place on the day of the test. Candidates are advised of this requirement in documentation provided to them when applying for the driving test.

These requirements are generally consistent with the provisions of road traffic regulations that every motor vehicle shall be maintained by reference to the design and construction of the vehicle as carried out by the manufacturer.

Jack Wall

Question:

747 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the position regarding the provision of seat belts on school buses; if legislation is planned for such a provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1637/02]

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

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 are 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: vehicles designed to accommodate standing passengers are excluded.

The adoption of this requirement wouldinter alia involve the phasing out of the present 3:2 rule which applies to school buses. My Department is at present preparing to publish 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 inter alia address the provision of seat belts in school buses. The analysis will take account of relevant EU directives and further European Commission proposals concerning specifications and use of buses.

I intend that the forthcoming paper will support a public consultation process which will provide all interested parties with the opportunity to respond and assist in developing practical improvements in relation to school bus safety.