Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if all children at primary and secondary level using the school transport service have their own seat and seat belt; the way the use of these seat belts is to be enforced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10774/07]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has been assured by Bus Éireann, which administers the school transport scheme, that children travelling on buses in the school transport scheme now have a seat of their own and all vehicles nominated to serve in the school transport scheme have also been equipped with seat belts.

I see information and education as key factors influencing safety-conscious behaviour on school transport services. To that end, a safety information campaign was launched in August, 2006 to make parents and children aware that it is now the law to wear seat belts on school buses and to encourage children to behave in a safety-conscious manner on and in the vicinity of, school buses. These messages were conveyed by way of television, cinema and radio advertisements. In addition, a DVD and posters were distributed to all primary and post primary schools. It is my intention that we should continue in this way to encourage positive pupil behaviour on school transport services.