Bernard Allen
Question:117 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Transport the number of Bus Éireann school buses which were subjected to an independent audit by his Department at vehicle test centres in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002. [17582/02]
Written Answers. - Vehicle Testing.
Roadworthiness testing of commercial vehicles, including buses, is carried out by authorised testers appointed by county councils and city councils. Bus Éireann is among these authorised testers and operates eight test centres countrywide in which testing of the company's own, as well as other, vehicles is carried out.
The scheme of roadworthiness testing of commercial vehicles is monitored by authorised officers appointed by the local authorities. These officers have power to enter testing premises to ensure that tests are being carried out in a fit and proper manner and in conformity with regulatory requirements. They may also inspect the premises, equipment and records. The Department has recommended to local authorities that authorised test centres should be inspected every month.
As an additional quality assurance measure, each authorised test centre is visited at least once per year by my Department's officers. The purpose of these visits is to verify that good systems, practices and procedures are being operated in the test centre and they do not generally involve the testing of particular vehicles.