Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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622. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding bus inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14401/16]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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623. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the inspection of buses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14402/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 622 and 623 together.

A vehicle must be roadworthy at all times when being used on the public road. Since September 2013, all commercial vehicle operators, including bus operators, are required to have inspection and maintenance systems in place to ensure that their vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition over their lifetime. The relevant Regulations in this regard are the Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) (Vehicle Maintenance and Repair) Regulations 2013 – S.I. 348 of 2013.

​While the Road Safety Authority has responsibility in relation to the enforcement of these Regulations, it is the vehicle owners and operators themselves, including Bus Éireann and their subcontractors, who are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are compliant with the law. I have therefore referred the Deputy's Question to Bus Éireann for direct reply.