498 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason some of the contracted buses bringing children to a school (details supplied) in County Clare are not equipped with seatbelts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31518/06]

Bus Éireann has advised that all of its buses, and the majority of contractors' buses, operating as part of the School Transport Schemes have been fitted with seat belts. The remainder are on schedule to be fitted with seat belts by the target date of December, 2006. This is in accordance with the package of measures to enhance the safety of school transport operations announced by Minister Hanafin and myself in July, 2005.