212 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of school buses in operation; the number of buses that were fitted with seatbelts for each pupil in 2005, to date in 2006, the equivalent period in 2005 and a forecast for year ending 2006. [38408/06]

There are currently over 3,600 vehicles, including taxis, in operation on school transport services. In October 2005, less than 60% of school transport vehicles were fitted with seat belts. In October 2006, this figure had risen to over 97%. Bus Éireann has advised that December 2006 remains the target date for all vehicles operating on school transport services to be fitted with approved seat belts.