Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 700: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the concerns he has that buses involved in the school transport scheme might not be roadworthy even after they have passed his Department's annual roadworthiness test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23069/08]

Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 701: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of warnings issued for safety breaches by Bus Éireann's mobile school bus inspectors under the school transport scheme; the number of contracts terminated for safety breaches since 2004 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23070/08]

Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 702: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when he first engaged an international agency to carry out mechanical checks on Bus Éireann and private buses involved in the school bus scheme; the number of checks carried out each year since 2004 to date in 2008; the number reported to be in breach of safety standards; the corrective action taken for those buses found to be in breach of safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23071/08]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 700 to 702, inclusive, together.

I can assure the Deputy that the safety of children travelling on the school transport service is of paramount importance to my Department and to Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme. In recent years, a range of measures to enhance safety and to improve the quality of the school transport service has been put in place, both in the vicinity of and on board school buses. These measures include the phasing out of the 3 for 2 seating arrangement on both primary and post primary services and providing all children with an individual seat equipped with a seat belt.

Bus Éireann also has a wide range of checking procedures in place, in addition to the statutory vehicle examinations, to ensure, as far as reasonably possible, that a safe and reliable service is delivered. These procedures are reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that appropriate standards are maintained and improved upon, where possible.

All vehicles operating under the School Transport Scheme are required to meet the statutory regulations as laid down by the Department of Transport. Vehicles with more than eight adult seats and which are more than one year old are required to pass the Department of Transport's annual roadworthiness test.

Private operators employed by Bus Éireann, under the school transport scheme, are contractually obliged to keep their nominated vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition at all times. These contractors are required to meet an extensive range of regulations and standards as set out by the Department of Transport for use of buses in public places.

In addition, Bus Éireann's mobile School Transport Inspectors carry out service checks on the performance of some 6,000 routes provided under the scheme, throughout the year. During this check the Inspector conducts an on-board inspection of the vehicle to ensure that the vehicle and driver are as nominated, and to check that other safety requirements are being observed. Follow up action is taken by the local Bus Éireann office, which can include termination of contract, if deficiencies are detected. Since 2004 some 2,000 warnings have been issued in relation to matters in this regard by Bus Éireann School Transport Offices. The contracts to provide 37 school transport services were terminated during this period.

Furthermore, in 2006 Bus Éireann introduced a system of individual vehicle audits and maintenance system audits, conducted by leading international experts in this field. In the course of these examinations, which serve as an enhanced safety mechanism in addition to statutory obligations, and which include both Bus Éireann and Contractors' buses, a wide range of items on the bus are examined. Depending on the nature of a possible defect an advisory may be issued or more immediate action may be flagged. Corrective action may be found necessary on items including, but not limited to, repairs to seat belts, lights, fittings, oil leaks, valves, emergency door buzzers, wiring and other items.

A total of 72 vehicles were inspected in 2006. In 2007, 136 vehicles have been audited. This process is ongoing and the intention is that 5% of the School Transport Contractors Bus Fleet will be examined annually.

Bus Éireann has issued a circular to parents of children travelling on school transport, inviting their co-operation, and that of their children, to help make the school transport journey as safe and comfortable as possible. The circular emphasises the importance of safety, the consequences of misbehaviour and the disciplinary measures which may be necessary.