Vol. 445 No. 8
49 Ms. F. Fitzgerld asked the Minister for Education the guidelines imposed by her Department with regard to the school transport system; whether these guidelines permit three pupils to travel on two seats; and the current position with regard to the wearing of seal belts on school buses. [243/94]
My Department sets out the regulations governing the school transport scheme, in order to facilitate its administration. The operation and management of the scheme are carried out by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department.
The carrying capacity of school transport vehicles and the wearing of seat belts are a matter for legislation under Road Traffic Regulations. As such, they are the responsibility of the Department of the Environment. It is the responsibility of Bus Éireann, the Department's agent in the operation of the scheme, to ensure that all vehicles are loaded in accordance with the legal requirements.
The loading on school buses is determined by the relevant sections of the Road Traffic Regulations (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles). The current legislation, as determined by Article 80 (2) of the Road Traffic Regulation, 1963, amended by Article 273, 1967, allows for the carriage of three school children for every two adult seats, without an upper age limit. The regulations provide for the fitting of seat belts only for smaller vehicles and these are enforced as necessary.
I can assure the Deputy that in operating the school transport scheme Bus Éireann complies fully with current legislation.
