Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 3 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 3

Written Answers - School Transport.

Seymour Crawford

Ceist:

160 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason school buses do not have to provide seat belts for all children, although parents with large families often have to buy station wagon type vehicles to keep within the law; his views on whether school children on public transport should be left vulnerable to accident without seat belts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12637/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

Legislation regarding the fitting and use of seat belts in public vehicles is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Under existing regulations passenger seat belts are non compulsory in buses, including those operated under the school transport scheme.

The question of the provision of seat belts is being considered in the context of a safety review being carried out by my Department at present.