Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy. I have spoken to the Minister for Transport on this. Bus Éireann has not facilitated it. It would cite medical issues. I put forward the idea that perhaps we should have an independent reference point from the medical world, for example, in the geriatric world, and people could give us an informed opinion on the point the Deputy made about those aged 70, 71, 72 and 73 being in a position to drive. Chronology is always a crude barometer of people's capabilities. I certainly think there are people in their early 70s who are quite capable of driving school buses on a part-time basis or whatever, which is generally the nature of the work. We have a real problem sourcing drivers. I am supportive of the general thrust of the Deputy's remarks. If we could get some sort of independent medical backing or advice to underpin a decision, that would be the way to go.

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