Written Answers. - School Transport.
Michael Creed
Ceist:
1127
Mr. Creed
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the number of children being transported to schools on overcrowded buses where there are more pupils accommodated than there are seats available on the bus; the safety issues this raises in respect of passenger safety; the legal situation regarding requirements to wear seat belts on buses where none are available for many students as a result of overcrowding; the insurance situation in this regard; the proposals his Department has to remedy this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[1276/02]
Jack Wall
Ceist:
1194
Mr. Wall
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the position regarding the provision of seatbelts on school buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[1656/02]
Jack Wall
Ceist:
1350
Mr. Wall
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
the percentage of young persons who are provided with suitable seat restraints on school transport in order to protect them in the likelihood of a major accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2561/02]
Gerry Reynolds
Ceist:
1401
Mr. G. Reynolds
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if he has satisfied himself with the safety of all buses involved in the school bus transport system; his proposals to discontinue the overcrowding on numerous school bus routes where children have to stand on the bus on the way to school; and the proposals to have these matters dealt with.
[2865/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1127, 1194, 1350 and 1401 together.
The loading on all school buses is determined by the relevant sections of the Road Traffic Regulations (Construction, equipment and Use of Vehicles) which are laid down by the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Under PSV, Public Service Vehicle regulations, the licensed carrying capacity of all vehicles engaged in school transport is based on a ratio of three pupils for every two adult seats. Under existing regulations, passenger seat belts are not compulsory in buses, including those operated under the school transport scheme.
Safety on school transport is of paramount importance to my Department and Bus Éireann, who operate the scheme on behalf of my Department. Great care is taken to ensure that loading does not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity of the vehicles. All vehicles operating under the school transport scheme are required to meet the statutory regulations as laid down by the Department of the Environment and Local Government. Where vehicles have more than eight adult seats and are more than one year old, they are required to pass that Department's annual roadworthiness test. The test is carried out as directed by the Department of the Environment and Local Government, in test centres authorised by that Department. Only buses that have passed this test are used in school transport operations. Bus Éireann carry out regular checks to ensure that certification with regard to roadworthiness is up to date.
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, including proof of insurance cover, 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 to comply in all respects with the Road Traffic Acts.
The safety aspects of school transport, including the three for two seating ratio and the provision of seat belts is being examined by the school transport section of my Department together with Bus Éireann and the Department of the Environment and Local Government. This report will be completed very shortly. Consideration will than be given to the question of what improvements can be put in place to further improve the safety of the children who use the service.
