Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 492: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she will respond specifically to a previous parliamentary question regarding persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; if these children will be allowed back on the school bus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25225/07]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In my replies to previous questions on this matter, I informed the Deputy that the relevant E.U. Directives do not require the provision of child restraint systems for children travelling on buses fitted with safety belts. I also indicated that all nominated buses operating within the School Transport Scheme are fitted with safety belts, which the occupants are obliged to wear.

It is not my intention to permit the introduction of local arrangements for individual pupils, such as those proposed by the Deputy.

Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that the parents of the pupils referred to by the Deputy have chosen not to avail of the existing school bus service. Should they wish again to avail of transport on terms applicable to service recipients generally, they should liaise directly with the local Bus Éireann office regarding the continued availability of the pupils' seats.