Vol. 574 No. 2
167 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are many school buses carrying excess passengers in County Wexford to secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26528/03]
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 Transport. Under PSV 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. Safety on school transport is of paramount importance to my Department and Bus Éireann, which operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. Great care is taken to ensure loading does not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity of the different bus types in use. Bus Éireann complies with these regulations and all other relevant safety legislation. If the Deputy wishes to supply details of particular instances of school buses carrying excess passengers to the school transport section of my Department, the matter will be urgently investigated.
