Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Transport when legislation to enable the introduction of a nationwide network of private speed cameras is anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28042/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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A working group chaired by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and representing my Department, the Garda Síochána and other relevant agencies, has carried out an in-depth examination of the issue of engagement of private sector interests in the operation of speed cameras. The group's report, which has been presented to the Government, makes a series of recommendations which include proposals that will require the introduction of changes to the current Road Traffic Acts. My Department is preparing legislative provisions necessary to support those recommendations and on the completion of that work, I will include those provisions in an appropriate Bill for the consideration of the House.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Transport the results of consultations with experts from Europe in assessing the comparative safety of lap belts versus three-point harnesses in school buses; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that US and Canadian research is strongly critical of lap belts as having the potential to cause serious stomach, head, neck and other injuries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27755/05]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The technical standards for the fitting of safety belts and restraint systems in new vehicles at European level, which are set down in a number of EU type approval directives, do not make specific provision for safety belts in school buses. At present, these standards are not obligatory for a number of classes of motor vehicles, including large buses. Following a decision by the European Parliament in May 2005, the way is now clear for the Council of Ministers to adopt as directives proposed measures that would make the existing technical standards mandatory in all new buses, including school buses, entering into service from a date yet to be settled. There are no requirements under the existing or proposed directives for safety belts to be retrofitted in existing vehicles.

A member state considering a retrofit programme in existing vehicles will need to adopt a retrofit specification as consistent as practicable with the EU standards for new vehicles. In general terms, these standards provide for the fitment of three-point belts in exposed seats and either three-point or lap belts in other seats.

It was against this background that the working group, which was established in June 2005 to progress measures to enhance school bus safety following the Kentstown bus accident, considered how best to arrive at a situation where all buses participating in the school transport scheme are fitted with safety belts. The feasibility of retrofitting safety belts in existing school buses was considered by the working group, which consulted national experts in a number of EU countries as well as the European Commission on the matter.

On the basis of observed international practice and the EU standards referred to above and notwithstanding the contrary view adopted by certain countries outside the EU, the working group was of the view that lap belts, with associated safety measures, were most appropriate for installation in a retrofit situation in school buses. The associated safety measures include, for instance, the use of energy absorbing material on the backs and tops of seats. The view of the working group on this matter informed the decision of the Government that all vehicles used in the school transport scheme will be equipped with safety belts by December 2006.