Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:41 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the reason the provision of seat belts is not mandatory for buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15904/01]
Other Questions. - Bus Safety Regulations.
Ceist:
99 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has satisfied himself with the regulations governing bus safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15903/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 99 together.
The safety record of bus transport in Ireland generally compares favourably with that for other transport modes. However, it is now appropriate to address improvement of road safety standards for buses in view of (a) the development of recent EU legislation in this area, and (b) the stated commitment of the Government strategy for road safety 1998-2002, to bring forward proposals for consultation on enhancing school bus safety.
It is now open to EU member states to require the fitting of seat belts in new buses. In practice, and even in advance of this position, most new buses and coaches, including those entering the Irish market, are now equipped with seat belts.
However, the application of a mandatory national requirement for seat belts in new buses has also to be considered in light of a number of other factors. These include: the need to continue accommodating standing passengers and frequent stop services on urban bus routes, avoidance of an incentive to import older bus vehicles so as to escape compliance with stricter standards for new vehicles, the question of retrospective application of seat belt standards to the existing bus fleet, and the implications for the present 3 for 2 concession applying in Ireland and many other countries for school transport.
I intend that the consultation paper on school bus safety, to be published this summer, will address these issues and that following the public consultation, a position on this general question will be decided by the Government and introduced into regulations by the end of 2001.
As there are two oral questions involved, Nos. 41 and 99, not more than twelve minutes is allotted for these questions.
I have an interest in this subject. I have also received a written reply from the Minister for Education and Science this week regarding the provision of seat belts on school buses. He told me that it is a matter for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government to introduce legislation in this area. I ask the Minister to confirm in his reply that it is a legislative issue.
School buses are a particular interest of mine. At this time of year, many children are travelling on school tours and are being transported to extra-curricular activities. There are mandatory seat belts in cars and we all recognise the importance of seat belts, yet we are prepared to turn a blind eye to children travelling in buses all over the country without the benefit of seat belts. This is a safety issue and the provision of seat belts in buses should be mandatory. Will the Minister clarify if it is possible for seat belts to be fitted in existing older buses?
The retro-fitting of seat belts in older buses might present some difficulties because of the design of the buses in question.
It has been possible to do it in cars.
This matter is the subject of study. Bus Éireann is involved in preparing the consultation paper. Other aspects will also be examined. The question of the 3 for 2 arrangement in school buses, three children occupying a seat to fit two adults, is being examined. The fitting of seat belts will be examined in the study. We will be in a position to make decisions and introduce regulations well before the end of the year, if that is the Government decision.
I welcome the Minister's statement that he intends to publish a consultation paper and make regulations before the end of the year. Is it the Minister's general view that there may be a distinction drawn between buses in urban areas which stop frequently and where standing passengers are allowed, and school buses and coaches that operate on longer journeys outside of urban areas? Has the Minister had discussions with bus operators in advance of the publication of the consultation paper, and will he indicate what is the general view of the bus operators of a regime which would require the provision of seat belts on buses?
I already informed the House that work is under way on the preparation of a consultation paper. This will be followed by public consultation prior to the Government making any decisions. I am not in a position to outline my own views or those of the Department until we see the outcome of the consultation process.
I checked out the international position on seat belts and, based on its accident research analysis, Transport Canada has determined that seat belts may actually adversely affect the safety of children on school buses and, therefore, has no plans to make them mandatory. With the notable exception of the UK, seat belts are mandatory in very few countries.
This issue is being considered in the wider European as well as a national context. We await the outcome of consultations with the relevant parties here, particularly Bus Éireann which may have gained knowledge in this area from transport companies in other countries. All of this knowledge will be considered prior to the publication of the consultation paper.