Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2016
444. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is appropriate for the Freight Transport Association to carry out inspections on private buses contracted to Bus Éireann given that more than 50% of the bus owners it is inspecting are members of the association. [3987/16]
View answerI am advised by Bus Éireann that the Freight Transport Association (FTA) provides independent vehicle and maintenance system audits on contractors' vehicles as well as on Bus Éireann's own fleet.
This is independent and separate from any other engagement of the FTA by bus and coach operators, or indeed any other similar industry experts.
Any initiative taken by bus operators to seek guidance on industry standards, and improvements to raise their own existing standards of maintenance and the roadworthiness of their fleet above the minimum legal requirements should be welcomed and supported. Such initiatives can only raise the quality, standard and safety of school buses on our roads.
