Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
278. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the reasoning behind the exclusion of persons over 70 years of age from driving buses under the school transport scheme; the engagement she or her Department have had with Bus Éireann with a view to increasing the age limit, particularly in light of the ongoing shortage of bus drivers for the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55930/23]
View answerWhile over 90% of services are contracted locally, Bus Éireann apply stringent assessments of each individual driver on over 7,000 school routes. This includes vetting and background checks.
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.
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.
Bus Éireann and Department officials meet regularly to discuss operational and policy matters.
