Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if it is possible to end the three for two rule for transporting school children before 2008; and if not, the factors which prevent this. [9769/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The loading on all school buses is determined by the relevant sections of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations which are laid down by the Department of Transport.

One of the consequences of ending the 3:2 arrangement on school transport is that additional seats will be required. It is inevitable, therefore, that the cost of operating the school transport service will increase. The allocation for school transport has more than doubled since 1997 and this year's allocation is just over €110 million.

Safety on school transport is of paramount importance to my Department and Bus Éireann, who operate the scheme on behalf of my Department. Great care is taken to ensure that loading does not exceed the maximum legal carrying capacity of the different bus types in use. Bus Éireann complies with these regulations and all other relevant safety legislation.