Safety on school transport is of paramount importance to my Department, and to Bus Éireann which operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. Bus Éireann has a very good safety record in the operation of school transport and an ongoing commitment to highlight safety in this regard. I am pleased to confirm that Bus Éireann, with the support of my colleague, Deputy O'Dea, Minister of State, this week launched a high profile safety campaign aimed at pupils who travel by bus to school each day, and at other road users. This followed my recent announcement in relation to escorts and safety harnesses for children with disabilities who travel on school buses. An amount of £3.4 million has been committed to improve these services over two years, starting this year.
With regard to the carrying capacity of school buses, I should explain that this is regulated by Department of Environment and Local Government legislation. Under these regulations, the licensed carrying capacity of all vehicles engaged in school transport is based on a ratio of three pupils to every two adult seats, without an upper age limit. The position is, therefore, that a 52 adult seater bus can carry 78 pupils. Great care is taken to ensure that loadings do not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity.
The vehicles used in the school transport scheme meet all statutory regulations as required by the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Where vehicles have over eight adult seats and are more than one year old, they are required to pass the Department of the Environment and Local Government tests in regard to roadworthiness. Bus Éireann's policy of continuous fleet replacement facilitates the improvement in the quality of vehicles used for school transport, and provides a better standard of service for pupils availing of school transport.
