492 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria for applicants for the 20% daily rate grant aid available to school buses to enable owners to replace old vehicles, that is the size of vehicle which qualifies. [36544/06]

The negotiation and awarding of contracts is an operational matter between Bus Éireann and individual contractors. However, I can say that contractors with larger older buses secured higher percentage increases to encourage them to acquire more modern replacements, which had to conform to certain standards. Among other things, the replacement vehicles must be equipped with manufacturer-fitted seat belts, or with safety belt anchorage points fitted by the vehicle manufacturer, to which type-approved belts have subsequently been installed. The fittings must conform to the standards contained in the guidelines published by the Department of Transport for the installation of safety belts.