In line with the commitment in The Road to Safety – The Government Strategy for Road Safety, 1998-2002, a consultation paper which set out a wide range of options for enhancing school bus safety was published by the Department of the Environment and Local Government earlier this year. Following an extended consultation period, a large number of responses were received. These are now being reviewed with a view to identifying a range of specific proposals for implementation. I apologise again for the Minister's absence.