Denis Naughten
Question:40 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on an EU decision to introduce regulations on the wearing of seat belts on school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10301/03]
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Legislation regarding the fitting and use of seat belts in public vehicles is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Under existing regulations seat belts are not compulsory on school buses. In operating the school transport scheme, Bus Éireann is fully compliant with all relevant regulations as laid down by that Department. Contractors' large vehicles, when tested by the Garda authorities to obtain the licence to operate school bus and other public services, are not required to have seat belts installed to get the PSV licence.
I understand that agreement has been reached on a proposal to amend the directive on the provision of seat-belts on motor vehicles. This will include a regulation to have seat-belts fitted to certain school buses from a future date. This decision will be considered in consultation with Bus Éireann and the Department of the Environment and Local Government and having regard to the commitment in The Road to Safety – The Government Strategy for Road Safety, 1998-2002. A consultation paper that set out a wide range of options for enhancing school bus safety was published by the Department of the Environment and Local Government last year.
Following an extended consultation period a large number of responses were received. These are being reviewed with a view to identifying a range of specific proposals for implementation.