Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 July 2023
100. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if consideration will be given to increase the mandatory retirement age for school bus drivers from 70 to 75 years, to take into account those drivers who wish to continue working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33023/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There has been an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
It is Bus Éireann company policy that normal retirement age for all Bus Éireann staff is currently 66 years.
However, Bus Éireann's part-time school bus drivers and drivers nominated by private operators who operate services 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.
The age limit on school bus drivers was increased to 70 years a number of years ago. While Bus Éireann have informed the Department there is no plan to increase the age limit further at this time, the matter will continue to be kept under review.
