Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 414: To ask the Minister for Transport if Bus Éireann school buses are tested for safety; if it is correct that its own mechanics will not sign testing forms giving clearance; and if he has satisfied himself that all school buses are safe for pupils. [23682/05]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Every vehicle used for the carriage of passengers for reward, including buses used in the school transport service, is subject to a range of safety measures that includes annual roadworthiness testing. In the case of vehicles with eight or more passenger seats, the roadworthiness tests are carried out by authorised testers appointed by local authorities under regulations made by the Minister for Transport.

The regulations transpose EU Directive 96/96 on periodic roadworthiness testing into Irish law. The regulations specify standards for premises, equipment and skills and training of vehicle testers. The items to be tested and the methods of testing are set out in the heavy goods vehicle testers manual or the manual covering light vehicles, as appropriate to the vehicle undergoing test.

In addition, vehicles with seats for more than eight passengers and that are used for the carriage of passengers for reward, including school buses, are subject to a range of other safety related measures that includes statutory standards covering construction, equipment, use, lighting, weights and dimensions, a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h, mandatory fitment of a speed limiter device, controls on the numbers of passengers that may be carried and statutory vehicle and driver licensing requirements. These measures are intended to support the safe transport of passengers in buses.

The day-to-day operation of the school transport service is a matter for the Department of Education and Science working together with its service providers.