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

On the same question, as previous speakers said, school transport is of the utmost importance. I have had several calls from older Carlow people who have told me they are not allowed to drive a school bus because they have turned 70. Bus Éireann operates the school bus transport scheme. There were massive issues which will be repeated this year if we do not have enough drivers. The Department told me the age limit has been examined and that there are no plans to extend it. I feel this is unfair. I know many drivers in Carlow, which is my constituency, feel particularly aggrieved about this. If there are to be more schoolchildren needing places, we must look at providing the buses. Several men and women have come to me who are 70 and in the full of their health. They do not mind having to go for medicals, eye tests, or do whatever they need to do; it is not an issue. This does not seem to be changing. Is there anything that can be done on this?

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