Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. Again, I ask her to change that 70 years of age rule because bus operators are having severe difficulty in getting qualified drivers. We are throwing good drivers onto the rubbish heap.

On the 20-year rule for buses, if a bus passes the commercial vehicle roadworthiness test, CRVT - and those tests are rigorous - then it should be allowed. This is happening in other jurisdictions like the UK and the North of Ireland.

There is another rule. Years ago, when rural schools were closed, a promise was made at that time that children would be brought to the central school. To start a new run, there has to be ten children. People in rural Ireland may not have the opportunity to provide ten children. They have one, two or three children, and their neighbours might have two or three, but if they do not have ten children they cannot start the run. That is very unfortunate in light of the promise that was given when the local school was closed that children would be taken free of charge to the central school. That is not happening in many cases.

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