Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Senator Tuffy referred to whether the target would be met on the three-for-two issue. Eligible people have not contacted the Department to let us know the position, and we cannot give away a place which is already designated for an eligible person unless we know that eligible person does not wish to take the place.

I refer particularly to the order on a school bus, a matter which Senator Ormonde and others raised. At the beginning of the next school year, when everybody is gearing up to go back to school, we will have an advertisement on television and other media emphasising the importance of wearing seat belts. We look forward to working with parents, teachers and students to ensure seat belts are worn and that the importance of wearing them is put across to students.

Senator Tuffy also mentioned our deadlines. We have begun the retro-fitting of seat belts on school buses. Some 20 per week are being fitted out. So as not to have further disruption within schools, we are ensuring that the major work on retro-fitting will take place during the summer months. The retro-fitting of seat belts where needed is on target for completion by December 2006, as promised.

Senator Tuffy may have had some difficulty understanding what I was saying with regard to the directive. The directive only goes so far, and we in the Department believe this is not far enough with regard to the school transport system. We wish to go beyond that directive. We will have far more stringent regulations, and we will have a seat belt for every child.

Vetting was another issue which was mentioned, and it is a very important issue with regard to codes of practice. Bus escorts are currently vetted, and arrangements are being made for the vetting of drivers. There is ongoing liaison with the Garda vetting office on the issue, as it has the responsibility in this regard.

Roadworthiness is top of our agenda, and I have explained the current situation and what the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, is doing in that regard. I have explained the tests involved and the review which has been requested. I have referred to the importance of flashing lights and I hope to run such a system throughout the country. We are on target for providing seat belts for each child by December 2006, and we are on target with regard to the three-for-two system.

I assure the House that we are looking at every opportunity to improve safety with regard to school transport. We are open-minded in doing this, and we are prepared to listen to any proposal put forward. I disagree with the sweeping statements made by Senator Browne, where he stated that finances relating to school transport were "spiralling out of control". I assure the Senator that every penny we fight for in that part of the Department is used well. I make no apologies to anyone for looking for further funding as needs progress.