Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

On 23 May 2005, a fatal bus crash occurred at Kentstown, near Navan, in which five school children tragically died when the bus toppled over. There was an understandable public outcry and the Government was obliged to react. In July 2005, €36.5 million was provided, and 130 buses were to be added to the school bus fleet. The Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, stated at the time that the school system would continue to maintain the highest standards. The bus tragedy in Meath focused attention on the necessity of providing seat belts.

I was recently approached by a parent in the Galbally area, where approximately 30 children attend second level schools in Tipperary town. The school provides transport for approximately 30 pupils to Lisvernane school. The bus providing the service is an old Bus Éireann vehicle, which in recent times has been the subject of breakdowns due to mechanical defects. Following one of these breakdowns, one of the parents had to provide substitute transport at short notice. Regrettably, she was involved in an accident in which her car skidded and considerable damage was done to the vehicle.

The bus being used is not fitted with seat belts and it must travel on winding rural roads which in many parts are not satisfactory. Many of these old Bus Éireann buses are not suitable for the fitting of seat belts. The pupils using the bus are entitled to feel secure when being transported to school. The parents are rightfully concerned about their children and they need positive reassurance that a more modern school bus will be provided equipped with seat belts. I look forward to a positive response indicating that the Minister will ensure suitable and safe transport.