John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 292: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will provide clarification on the new regulations within the school transport scheme that may come into effect from September 2008, in relation to the pull test; if it will result in prohibitive costs; the details in relation to the guidelines for the pull test for all school bus providers; if this is a DOE requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26591/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In June 2006, as part of public policy to enhance the safety of bus occupants, changes to the compulsory annual roadworthiness test for vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats fitted with safety belts were approved.

These changes provided that, from September 2008, the grant of a Certificate of Roadworthiness for a bus fitted with safety belts would be contingent on the presentation to the test centre of appropriate certification concerning the standard of installation of the safety belts. These standards would require that the vehicle has EU type-approval certification in respect of the safety belt installation or that the safety belt installation had met a defined pull test standard which equates to the type-approval requirements. This matter is now being progressed by the Road Safety Authority, which has responsibility for vehicle standards including the issue of safety belts on motor vehicles under the Road Safety Authority, Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006).