Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On the same issue, this is the third time I have raised a question in this Dáil regarding school bus drivers. I have raised it with the Taoiseach on two occasions and with the Tánaiste on one. The situation is continually getting worse, with some school runs not able to operate due to the inability to recruit drivers. In my county of Galway, more than 40 children attending St. Paul's school in Oughterard have been without a service since 17 October last year. The private bus companies contracted by Bus Éireann to operate these services are facing a huge problem finding drivers. There is a serious problem with the transport system whereby people who drive school buses have to retire at 70 years of age but, theoretically, can still drive commercial buses until they are 100 because there is no upper age limit in place. Bus drivers should be able to drive school buses at least until they are 75. Even if that means they have to do a medical examination every year, so be it. I am asking the Taoiseach to give a commitment that this change will be implemented. I do not want to hear about a review or what the Department will look at. We need action now to address this chronic problem, which is being faced by school bus operators around the country.

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