Vol. 559 No. 1
220 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect the recent court decision holding owners of school buses liable where no safety belts are available, will have on the effective running of a school bus service; the steps his Department is taking in view of this decision; if he has plans to review the safety of school busses in view of this decision; and the number of school bus runs this affects. [25484/02]
I am aware of the court decision referred to by the Deputy. The decision is being appealed to the High Court. The accident in question occurred on a private service which is outside the scope of the school transport scheme. However, the ruling will be taken into account in the context of the deliberations on enhancing school bus safety.
Legislation regarding the fitting and use of seatbelts in public vehicles is the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. In operating the school transport scheme Bus Éireann are fully compliant with all relevant regulations as laid down by that Department.
The safety aspects of school transport, including the question of the provision of seatbelts, is being examined by my Department's school transport section together with Bus Éireann and the Department of the Environment and Local Government.
