Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have had some calls from older people in Carlow who are no longer allowed to drive a school bus because they have turned 70. I have repeatedly asked why Irish citizens can serve as public representatives after the age of 70 in either of these Houses yet other people cannot drive a school bus at that age. It is policy that retirement age is currently 66 at Bus Éireann but part-time school bus drivers and drivers nominated by the private operators as school bus drivers may continue in this role subject to completing an annual medical examination up to the age of 70. The Department has told me this age limit has been examined and there are no plans to extend it. That is unfair. I ask that we look at this issue.

See this speech in context