Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 523: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason school buses classed as mini buses do not qualify for the incentive to upgrade these vehicles; her views on whether children travelling to school in these mini buses are being treated differently from those who travel on buses which qualify for the upgrade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31872/06]

Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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In general, larger buses tend to be older than minibuses, and contractors are being encouraged to replace these buses with more modern buses equipped with manufacturer fitted seat belts, or with buses fitted with seat belt anchorage points by the vehicle manufacturer to which type approved belts have been subsequently installed. The fittings must conform to the standards contained in the guidelines published by the Department of Transport for the installation of safety belts.

It is not clear what the Deputy has in mind when she refers to children being treated differently. As far as safety is concerned, the vast majority of vehicles operating under the school transport schemes are already fitted with seat belts and I expect that the remaining vehicles will be so fitted by the target date of end December next.