Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)

I heard Mr. Kent mention that Bus Éireann is considering allowing people over 70 to drive eight-seater buses or whatever. I am not happy with that figure because they are well capable of driving a medium-sized bus, which has between 25 and 30 seats. An 80-year-old can drive a car with four passengers in it anyway, and there is no question at all legally in that regard. Nationally, throughout the country, there are plenty of fellas of that age driving with four people in the car. I do not see such a proposal as much of an advance in what we have been seeking for many years. Surely, if those people took one or two medical tests each year, it would be surer for Bus Éireann than maybe having younger drivers who are not medically tested as much at all.

With regard to the 270 service, I ask Bus Éireann to provide more bus stops along the route. It is grand to see the buses passing, but it is not much good to a lot of people if they are only looking at them but cannot get onto them. There is an awful length of road from Kenmare to Kilgarvan and on to Killarney. It is no good if people cannot park and get on or if the bus will not stop for them. I ask Bus Éireann to keep that in mind.