Legislation regarding the fitting and use of seat belts in public vehicles is the responsibility of the Minister for Transport. Under existing regulations passenger seat belts are noncompulsory in buses, including those operated under the school transport scheme.
Safety on school buses is of paramount import ance to my Department and to Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department.
In operating the school transport scheme, Bus Éireann complies with all relevant regulations and it has a very good safety record in the operation of school transport.
The overall operation of the school transport scheme is constantly under review, to ensure that the best and safest possible service is delivered.