Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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74. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether it is an offence for a driver of a motor vehicle to overtake a school bus while it is stopped to board or disembark students; if so, the penalty that is incurred by the driver; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31214/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I can confirm that there is no specific offence attached to overtaking a stationary school bus. Depending on the specific circumstances of an incident as described by the Deputy, the offences of careless or dangerous driving may be applicable.

My Department understands that under Action 123 of the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, Bus Éireann is committed to examining various legislative and non-legislative approaches to promoting the safety of children disembarking school buses on potentially hazardous rural roads. Officials from my Department have engaged with Bus Éireann on this matter and agreement has been reached that this goal be best pursued by the development of internal, operational policy, rather than by legislative means.