Written answers

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Department of Transport

Road Accident Investigations

8:00 am

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1240: To ask the Minister for Transport the investigations, audits, studies, reports and other analysis which were undertaken in the aftermath of the school bus accident in Kentstown, County Meath; the changes that have resulted from such analysis; if all investigations are now completed; if these reports have all been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1318/07]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Since 13 September 2006 as a consequence of the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards has passed to the Road Safety Authority.

Three separate investigations were undertaken in relation to the school bus accident in Kentstown, County Meath by the Garda Síochána, the Health and Safety Authority and Bus Éireann. I have not received any report of these investigations. The publication of these reports is a matter for the bodies concerned in the first instance. I am aware that, on foot of the investigations by the Garda Síochána and the Health and Safety Authority, legal proceedings were instituted by the Director of Public Prosecutions against a number of parties in relation to this accident. As these proceedings are currently before the courts, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the accident.

Following the Kentstown accident, the Government decided that, by the end of 2006, the 3 for 2 seating arrangements would be eliminated on State-funded school bus services and that such buses must be equipped with safety belts. The Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science announced earlier this month that the target date for both these measures had been achieved. In May 2006 I made regulations transposing into Irish law EU Directive 2003/20 relating to the compulsory wearing of safety belts. Essentially, this Directive requires that where a safety belt is fitted to a seat in a vehicle it must be used by the occupant of the seat.

The Road Safety Authority has engaged consultants to conduct a fundamental review of the scheme of compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of goods vehicles and buses. I understand from the Road Safety Authority that it expects to receive the report from the consultants very soon. In addition, the Road Safety Authority is examining the question of the appropriate standards for buses engaged in the organised transport of children.

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