Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 712: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the timescale for the elimination of the 3 for 2 seating arrangement on school buses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19311/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The loading of 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.

The licensed carrying capacity of all vehicles engaged in school transport is based on a ratio of three pupils for every two adult seats, in accordance with relevant legislation. My Department has been in discussions with Bus Éireann with a view to phasing out the three for two arrangement over the next two or three years. Indeed, the discussions have been advanced to a stage where I can confirm that the necessary steps are now being taken to commence the general phasing out of this arrangement from next September.

The wearing of seat belts and the three for two rule are intrinsically linked, which means that school children who are travelling on buses equipped with seat belts from 9 May 2006 must be provided with a single seat and must use the seat belt.

My Department is examining various options with a view to phasing out the three for two seating arrangement as quickly as possible.