Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I am delighted to be here to listen to the Senators' remarks. My overriding concern is safety. I hope the ethos of safety permeates the speech I gave earlier and, more important, the day to day work we do in the Department on all of the issues referred to today, particularly those on the three for two seats, seat belts etc.

Getting rid of the three-for-two meant we had to find further capacity for 3,500 students to ensure all eligible students had a seat. To put Senator Tuffy's mind at rest, all buses being introduced will have seat belts on them. I reiterate that as far back as May of last year I stated on RTE radio that we should go beyond the directive of 9 May, which only refers to the use of seat belts where they are provided. I felt we should have seat belts on all school buses.

Senator Norris also raised this issue. I stated we will have seat belts on all school buses and our target for doing so is December 2006. We will have a seat with a seat belt for each student. That was reiterated in a press statement the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, and I issued last July. We are keeping up with those targets.

I am glad so many Senators referred to the flashing lights. All research shows that the real danger is within the vicinity of the bus when people are getting on or off. The information I received back from that pilot scheme is that it was extremely successful. I hope to roll it out throughout the country.

This is the first time we will introduce dedicated school buses, and a total of 20 will be introduced. Work on that started with the introduction of school buses in Meath and Kildare prior to the great tragedy of May of last year. Bearing in mind all of those accidents, I hope people understand the work we do in the Department emphasises safety first and foremost.

Reference has also been made to special needs. I make no apology to anyone for spending the necessary amount of money to ensure our special needs children have the same opportunities as everyone else to attend school. It is not true to state that all, or a great deal, of the money spent is on special needs. Yes, a large portion, one third, of the budget is spent on special needs children. However, even taking that one third out of the equation, the amount of money to be spent on school transport has doubled since 1997.

It is also important to point out that if a bus is second hand it does not mean it is not safe. At all times, we must ensure a maintenance regime is in place. An annual roadworthiness test applies to all goods vehicles as well as buses. It is carried out by designated garages on behalf of the Department of Transport, which has responsibility for legislation and regulation in this regard.