Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024
176. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will consider allowing drivers who reach 70 years the opportunity to continue driving subject to passing an annual medical even convened by a doctor chosen by her Department. [7125/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra177. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will give consideration to allow persons over 70 years to continue driving in view of the continuous shortage of school bus drivers. [7126/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
While over 90% of school transport 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.
