Vol. 396 No. 4
67 Mr. Pattison asked the Minister for the Environment the safety standards covering private commercial bus operations; if he is satisfied that these standards are adequate to meet current conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Regulations made by me apply to both public and private bus operations.
The principal safety regulations governing bus operations, for which I am responsible, are:—
—the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 1989;
—the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations, 1963 to 1989;
—the European Communities (Vehicle Testing) Regulations, 1981 to 1986;
—the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Licensing) Regulations, 1978; and
—the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations, 1989.
In summary, these regulations require that buses, when used in a public place, be constructed and loaded safely and be roadworthy. Buses must be road-worthiness tested annually. In the case of bus drivers, a higher standard of fitness, both mental and physical, is required.
Enforcement of the existing regulations is primarily a matter for the Garda Síochána. Specific allegations about the failure of particular operators to comply with the regulations should be made to the Garda.
