As the Deputy is aware Bus Éireann operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department.
Bus Eireann has advised the Department that in response to the expressed wishes of many school bus drivers — both Bus Éireann and private contractor school bus drivers — who wanted to remain in the position upon reaching retirement age at sixty-five years, and following the advice of their Medical Department, the company decided to alter the compulsory retirement age for school bus drivers who provide services under the School Transport Scheme to enable experienced personnel to remain on in the position for a maximum of five more years if desired.
School bus drivers who opt to remain on after sixty-five years of age may do so up to the age of seventy, if they are satisfied to do so, subject to annual medical review and once they continue to hold the requisite driving licence. In the opinion of the Bus Éireann Chief Medical Officer, given the demanding and safety critical nature of School Bus driving, 70 years of age is deemed a reasonable age at which to retire from such employment.
A Contractor may continue to hold the Contract to provide a school bus service on behalf of Bus Éireann when over the age of seventy years, using a nominated driver to provide their service.