Vol. 466 No. 4
133 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment whether buses could be subjected to an independent inspection in view of the fact that boats come under the classification of relatively dilapidated; and if not, the reason therefor in the interests of child safety. [11709/96]
Under the vehicle testing scheme, all buses over one year old are already required to be tested annually. Testing is normally carried out at test centres appointed and supervised by the local licensing authority; it is conducted by qualified mechanics in accordance with detailed requirements which are specified in manuals issued by my Department. CIE/Bus Éireann have applied for and received authorisation from a number of licensing authorities to carry out testing at certain of their garages. These are subject to the same controls and supervision by licensing authorities as apply to all other test centres.
