Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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628. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the CVRT process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40029/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I understand that as part of the response to Dáil Question 622 of 2016 on a similar issue, that Bus Éireann previously corresponded with the Deputy in relation to the differences between the inspections carried out by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) on behalf of Bus Éireann, and those carried out as part of the Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT).

As you will be aware, the FTA inspection forms part of Bus Éireann's audit of the ongoing contractual compliance, performance and safety of sub-contracted vehicle operators and their fleets engaged for the specific purposes of the School Transport Scheme; whereas annual inspections carried out as part of the CVRT form part of the national regulatory system that monitors all commercial vehicle operators', including School Transport Scheme operators', annual compliance with national roadworthiness testing requirements on the day of the test. 

In addition to meeting certain standards on the day of the CVR test, all commercial vehicle operators, including bus operators carrying our children to and from school, are legally obliged to have preventative maintenance and inspection systems in place to ensure that their vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition throughout their lifetime.

It should be noted that there are no public funds being provided for the CVRT system. Given the the fundamental differences underlying each of these inspection regimes it would not be appropriate to combine them.