Michael Ring
Ceist:244 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to make seat belts compulsory on public and school transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20085/97]
Written Answers. - Compulsory Seat Belts.
Current road traffic regulations require the fitting of seat belts in all forward facing front seats in minibuses having a design gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kg and first registered on or after 1 January 1992.
Under EU Directive 96/36/EC, member states will be allowed from 1 October 1999 to require that all seating positions in new passenger vehicles with seating for more than eight persons excluding the driver, are fitted with seat belts; vehicles with provision for standing passengers are excluded. The further extension of seat belt requirements will be considered in this context.