Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004
51 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to review the regulations governing school buses; if he will review the 3:2 ratio on school buses; if he has satisfied himself with the level of overcrowding on post-primary buses; if he has reviewed this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32023/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll buses, including school buses, are required to comply with the standards set out in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations and the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations. Under the 3:2 provision, three children may be reckoned as two passengers when determining the passenger capacity of a bus being used to carry children to and from school or school-related physical activities.
The Department of Education and Science has overall responsibility for the administration of the school transport service, while Bus Éireann is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the service. I am advised that the Department of Education and Science is satisfied, on the basis of the information available from Bus Éireann, that school buses are being operated in accordance with the requirements of the road traffic law and that great care is taken to ensure that the loading of school buses does not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity on each vehicle in use.
EU Directive 2003/20 provides for the mandatory wearing of seat belts by passengers in a wide range of vehicles, including buses fitted with seat belts. The implementation of the directive, which must take place from 2006 onwards, will effectively remove the three for two concession for new buses used as school buses after 2007.
In June 2003, the European Commission published proposals that provide, inter alia, for the mandatory fitment of seat belts in buses and coaches at manufacturing stage. Under the proposals it would be a requirement for the registration, sale and entry into service of new buses and coaches, from 1 January 2006 that their safety belts, restraint systems, seats and the anchorages for these would conform to the technical requirements specified in the proposed directives. Ireland actively supports the proposed measures with the intention that they will be implemented at the earliest possible date after their adoption to maximise the benefits of the requirement to use seat belts where they are fitted in vehicles, including in school buses.
In 2002 my Department published a discussion paper on school bus safety. A range of possible safety related enhancements covering vehicles, passenger related measures, and the road traffic environment in which school buses operate were identified in the paper. The purpose of the paper was to give the public an opportunity to put forward their views and suggestions on enhancing school bus safety. The responses to the discussion document are being reviewed by my Department with a view to identifying the most cost-effective approach to enhancing road safety for school transport taking into account the obligations and timing of EU requirements and proposed requirements.
The Minister of State crammed as much into his reply as children are crammed into buses. Is it the case that the new EU regulations will not be implemented on the Irish school bus fleet until at least 2023 when passenger vehicles from the Expressway fleet transfer to the school bus fleet? The last new school buses dedicated to the school transport service were provided in the 1960s. In light of that and given that 78 children are crammed into 52 seater buses, there are more regulations and standards governing the overcrowding and transportation of cattle than there are for schoolchildren. This issue needs to be addressed today, not in 2023.
It will not be as late as 2023. In regard to the Deputy's phrase about children being crammed into buses, I reiterate that Bus Éireann is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the service. I am advised that the Department of Education and Science is satisfied on the basis of the information available that school buses are operated in accordance with the requirement of the road traffic law and that great care is taken to ensure that the loading of school buses does not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity on each vehicle in use. That is important. I indicated to the Deputy that the directive on the three for two concession must be implemented from 2006 onwards, that is, on all school buses after 2007.
Are they new school buses?
Yes. I have had discussions with Bus Éireann on the issue of school buses. It has informed me that in recent years it has taken obsolete buses off the road and replaced them with a more modern fleet. It is satisfied with the current fleet and the proposal to enhance and develop further the number of buses and their carrying capacity as well as the safety requirement on such buses.
The law is the difficulty in that it allows three 17 and 18 year olds to be crammed into two seats on a bus. Is that acceptable? Is it acceptable that three adults are crammed into two seats and that their schoolbags and sports bags are also crammed into the bus? Some 78 children are crammed into a 52 seater bus. Does the Minister of State believe the law is correct in allowing that number to be carried on a 52 seater bus? Does he have any plans to amend the law given that there will be no new school buses in either my lifetime or that of the Minister of State?
I do not know where the Deputy's questions are leading.
I am trying to reduce the 3:2 ratio.
I have already answered the question on the 3:2 concession. The safety record of school transport in Ireland is good compared with other modes of road transport and stands up well to international comparisons. On the issue of 3:2 concession and including bags as well——
I will give the Minister of State an invitation to come and see some of these school buses if he wishes.
The Deputy appears to indicate there may be an issue in regard to the safety record.
Will the Minister of State take up my invitation?
EU Directive 2003/20 provides for the mandatory wearing of seat belts by passengers and the directive must be implemented from 2006 onwards.
In reality it is 2030.
That will effectively remove the 3:2 concession.
In 2023.
