Vol. 553 No. 6
155 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to require and assist all school buses to facilitate and oblige all passengers to use lap belts as required in New Jersey, USA, in view of the fact that 18 people were seriously injured in coaches and minibuses in 2000. [14875/02]
202 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will change or review the three-two rule in relation to seating of students on school buses; if he will consider providing and making mandatory seat belts on all school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14987/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 202 together.
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 public service vehicle regulations, the licensed carrying capacity of all vehicles engaged in school transport is based on a ratio of three pupils for every two adult seats. Under existing regulations passenger seat belts are not compulsory in buses, including those operated under the school transport scheme.
Safety on school transport is of paramount importance to my Department and Bus Éireann, which operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. Great care is taken to ensure loading does not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity of the vehicles.
The safety aspects of school transport, including the three for two seating ratio and the provision of seat belts has being examined by the school transport section of my Department together with Bus Éireann and the Department of the Environment and Local Government. A report was completed and submissions invited from all interested parties. Further consideration will be given to the question of safety in the light of the report and submissions received.
