Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:429 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to install seat belts on all school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6580/02]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:430 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has acquired the necessary funding to increase the carrying capacity of the school bus fleet in order to end the practice of allowing more than one passenger occupy each seat; if his Department has published its promised paper on enhancing the safety of school buses; if it proposed to put this paper out to public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6581/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 429 and 430 together.
The question of the seating arrangements and seat belts on school buses is being considered in the context of a safety report being prepared by the school transport section of my Department, together with Bus Éireann and the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The report is nearing completion and will be made available to all interested parties. Submissions will be invited from the public.