School Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Questions (1068)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

1068. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 306 of 13 July 2022, the point at which the matter will be reviewed given that a number of bus companies providing buses for the school transport scheme are reporting difficulties recruiting drivers and are seeking to retain their drivers; the severity of shortages that will be necessary in order to reach the point at which this matter will be reviewed given that her Department states that the matter will be kept under review; when she expects the matter to be reviewed; the engagement, if any, that she has had with Bus Éireann on the matter; if she will address further concerns (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40216/22]

Written answers

Minister for Education

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

As previously mentioned, it is Bus Éireann company policy that normal retirement age for all Bus Éireann staff is currently 66 years. However Bus Éireann part-time School Bus Drivers and drivers nominated by private operators who operate service as part of the School Transport Scheme may continue to perform in the role provided they hold the requisite license and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70. This policy and criteria is applied to all drivers who provide school transport services on behalf of Bus Éireann equally.

Bus Éireann notes the change that from the age of 75, drivers must complete a medical report form signed by a registered medical practitioner, however this change does not apply to bus and truck driving licence holders, who still require a medical report on first issue and on renewal of licences every 5 years.

There is therefore no plan to increase the age limit further from 70 to 75 at this time for School Bus Drivers, however the matter will continue to be kept under review.