Written answers
Tuesday, 8 March 2005
Department of Education and Science
School Transport
8:00 pm
Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the serious safety implications for children travelling to and from school on organised buses that in many cases have no safety belts; and if she has immediate plans to review the current guidelines. [7663/05]
Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Legislation regarding the fitting and wearing of seat belts in public vehicles is the responsibility of the Minister for Transport. Under existing regulations seatbelts are not compulsory on buses used for school transport. In operating the school transport scheme, Bus Ãireann is fully compliant with all relevant regulations as laid down by the Department of Transport.
Irrespective of the legal requirements, which are being fully complied with, safety on vehicles used for school transport is of paramount importance to my Department and Bus Ãireann. As the Deputy will be aware, Bus Ãireann has a very good safety record in the operation of school transport services on behalf of my Department and the company is fully committed to ensuring that the highest safety standards are maintained. My Department and Bus Ãireann will obviously comply with any future regulations laid down by the Department of Transport regarding the wearing of seat belts.
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