Written answers

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Department of Education and Skills

School Transport Tendering

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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152. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 1192, 1257, 1258, 1259, 1260, 1261, 1262, 1263, 1264, 1265 and 1266 of 22 September 2015, if she will clarify the number of outstanding matters (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33587/15]

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The services of internationally recognised experts in the field of vehicle maintenance systems and safety standards are engaged by Bus Éireann to conduct inspections on school buses that are utilised to provide services on its behalf under the Department of Education & Skills School Transport Scheme nationally. As previously advised, these inspections are designed to complement annual statutory vehicle examinations as an additional measure designed to ensure that vehicles and maintenance records are maintained to appropriate standards, consistent with RSA guidelines, in the period between annual statutory tests taking place.

Vehicle inspections assess vehicle condition, safety, and maintenance standards on both Bus Éireann buses and buses owned by private operators employed as contractors to provide services under the School Transport Scheme. It is a matter for Bus Éireann to establish standards to be met by contractors who are employed to provide services on its behalf.

I am advised by Bus Éireann that the Freight Transport Association (FTA) provides independent vehicle and maintenance system audits on contractors' vehicles as well as on Bus Éireann's own fleet. This is independent and separate from any other engagement of the FTA by bus and coach operators, or indeed any other similar industry experts. Any initiative taken by bus operators to seek guidance on industry standards, and improvements to raise their own existing standards of maintenance and the roadworthiness of their fleet above the minimum legal requirements should be welcomed and supported. Such initiatives can only raise the quality, standard and safety of school buses on our roads.

The procurement regime operated by Bus Éireann is consistent with the requirements of Irish and EU law and in this regard provides arrangements for feedback to tenderers and a right of appeal through the Courts.

Buses purchased by Bus Éireann for the provision of school transport services are funded by my Department in the context of the overall funding provided for the operation of the School Transport Scheme.

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