asked the Minister for Education the steps her Department are taking to alleviate the problem of the continuing break-down of school buses; if her Department have given any direction with regard to the repair and maintenance of same as the service at present is in a most unsatisfactory state; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Buses.
22.
I am not aware that there is an undue incidence of break-down of school buses. I am advised by Bus Eireann, which operate the school transport service, that school buses are subject to stringent maintenance checks as specified and controlled by their chief mechanical engineer. Where occassionally failures occur — and the Deputy will I am sure accept that failures cannot be eliminated completely — replacement services are provided through the use of existing vehicles to operate additional trips or through calling on stand-by vehicles.