Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is absolutely near chaos in the education system due to the situation regarding school buses and tickets. What the Government thought was a great idea has really messed up the whole situation for many people including those with special needs. It is so frustrating that people who have tickets are not using them. The bus companies do not know how many passengers they will have. The Government promised this last November but has not done anything. Early in summer the Government promised to raise the age limit so that people over 70 could continue to drive provided they had the medical certificate. Bus companies are scrambling to get drivers. Some of the drivers are coming up to 70 and the situation is going to get worse. This has to be sorted out. The issue of drivers over 70 needs to be resolved as well as the ticket situation. Bus Éireann had no warning. The situation is bad every year but this year it is a complete mess and is causing trauma for families and most of all children and students and indeed the bus companies and drivers. It is not fair to anyone. It is not being resolved.

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