Vol. 468 No. 4
453 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if she has satisfied herself with the safety aspects of the current school transport system, particularly the situation where there are three students for every two seats. [15280/96]
Safety is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department. All aspects of safety, including carrying capacity, are monitored on an ongoing basis. Approximately 165,000 children are transported to school each day in safety. Bus Éireann's record of safety since the inception of the scheme in 1967, speaks for itself. Bus Éireann ensures that the loadings do not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity of the different bus types in use. The maximum loading on school buses is calculated on the basis of three school children to every two adult seats, in accordance with legislation laid down by the Department of the Environment.
