Vol. 413 No. 7
121 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education if he has commissioned any study recently into the condition of the school bus fleet; and his views on whether there is cause for concern regarding safety levels and overcrowding on these vehicles.
The condition of the school bus fleet is continually monitored to ensure that adequate safety levels are adhered to at all times.
I am satisfied that there is no cause for concern regarding the safety levels of the school bus fleet.
The loadings on school buses are determined by the relevant sections of the Road Traffic Regulations (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles). A maximum loading is calculated on the basis of three school children to every two adult seats.
Bus Éireann, who operate the scheme on behalf of my Department, ensure that the loadings do not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity of the different bus types in use.
