Vol. 483 No. 3
358 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the current safety regulations for children travelling on school buses; the number of children expected to share two seats in this regard; his views on whether the blocking of the aisle by school bags is a hazard in case of an accident; and the plans, if any, he has to improve safety regulations on school transport. [20078/97]
I assure the Deputy that safety is of paramount importance to both my Department and Bus Éireann, who act as agents for my Department in the operation of the school transport scheme. In this regard a wide range of checking procedures is in place to ensure a safe and reliable service. All aspects of safety, including carrying capacity, are monitored on an ongoing basis.
Under the Department of the Environment road traffic regulations, the licensed carrying capacity of school transport vehicles is three pupils to every two seats. Bus Éireann complies fully with this and all other safety legislation. The aisles on school buses should, of course, be kept clear for safety reasons. All bags should be stowed away under seats, on the bag racks provided, or, if necessary, in the boot.
Bus Éireann undertakes promotions at regular intervals so as to alert teachers, parents and children to safety aspects of the service. Its inspectors also speak to groups of pupils on the subject of safety, as part of their normal duties.
I understand that the question of safety on school buses, including the 3:2 ratio, was among the issues considered by the school transport review committee. That committee's report was recently presented to my colleague Deputy Willie O'Dea, Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science. The recommendations put forward in the report are currently being examined in my Department.
