Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 4

Written Answers. - School Transport.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

184 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the emission limits applicable to diesel engine buses over ten years of age operating in the school transport fleet; the emission limits applied by Iarnród Éireann to vehicles in this category, with specific reference to directive 96/1/EC relating to carbon monoxide at four grams per kilowatt hour, hydrocarbons at 1.1 grams per kilowatt hour, nitrogen oxides at 7 grams per kilowatt hour and particulates at 0.15 grams per kilowatt hour; and if he has satisfied himself that all buses over ten years of age in the school transport fleet operate to such standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28872/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

A report has been requested from Bus Éireann, regarding the issues raised by the Deputy. The Deputy will be informed of the position as soon as the report is received.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

185 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school buses operating in the school transport fleet which are subject to road worthiness tests by Iarnród Eireann; the regulations under which such buses are tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28873/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Safety on school buses is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport 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.

There are approximately 2,450 vehicles used in the school transport fleet. Around 1,800 of these are provided by private contractors and the balance by Bus Éireann.

Bus Éireann vehicles are serviced every six weeks under specified maintenance procedures to ensure that the highest safety standards are achieved. Any faults coming to the notice of Bus Éireann's maintenance staff are dealt with immediately. A large proportion of the existing Bus Éireann school bus fleet was refurbished during summer 1999.

All vehicles operating under the scheme are required to meet the statutory regulations as laid down by the Department of the Environment and Local Government and are subject to a roadworthiness test. Where vehicles have over eight adult seats and are more than one year old, they are required to pass that Department's annual roadworthiness test.

Contractors employed by Bus Éireann to provide services under the school transport scheme must satisfy strict criteria and must hold a road passenger operator's licence. Vehicles nominated for use under the scheme must be suitable for the conveyance of school children and must have complete and current documentation in respect of both buses and drivers as required by law. The vehicles have to be kept and maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition and have to comply in all respects with the Road Traffic Acts.

Contractor's vehicles are subject to inspection/testing by Bus Éireann inspectors from time to time to ensure the safety of pupils travelling on buses.