Vol. 452 No. 8
168 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Education if she is concerned with the poor condition of school buses; the plans, if any, she has for replacing some of the school bus fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8834/95]
The vehicles used in the school transport scheme meet all statutory regulations as required by the Department of the Environment. Safety of operation is a priority consideration which is evidenced by Bus Éireann's excellent safety record. Vehicles operated by private contractors are subject to an annual roadworthiness check and to regular inspection to ensure that their reliability is maintained throughout the year. Bus Éireann is also committed to providing the best overall standard of comfort possible, having regard to the resources available to support the school transport system as a whole.
Since 1988 a programme has been in operation to replace Department of Education-funded school buses. To date, Bus Éireann has introduced 140 replacement buses to the school transport fleet. Another 370 replacement buses have been acquired and it is intended to have the "yellow" school buses fully replaced within the next two years.
