Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2022
352. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she will provide clarity on the mandatory retirement age of both school bus drivers and school bus escorts who work on the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45968/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289 million in 2021.
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.
There is a facility within the Special Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Bus Escort where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such to require the support of an escort.
The employment of a School Bus Escort, where required, is sanctioned by the Department of Education. Once a sanction for employment has been approved, School Transport Section issues grant funding to the school management authority at the end of each school year by way of advance payment for the next school year.
The School Management Authority is the employer of the School Bus Escort, it is their responsibility to keep up to date with and comply with policies and legislation relating to terms and conditions of employment, redundancy and retirement.
