Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We need to consider increasing the mandatory retirement age for Bus Éireann bus drivers beyond 70 years of age. This week, I have been inundated with calls from bus drivers and operators regarding this issue. They feel we will face a crisis next September to fill school bus routes in order to get our children to primary and secondary schools.

I spoke to a bus operator yesterday which will have to refuse two bus routes next year because the company cannot get anyone to fill them. I spoke to another operator today who has nine mandatory retirements coming this year and does not see anyone who can fill the routes. It is nonsensical and illogical that bus drivers can legally drive from Malin to Mizen Head but cannot operate a school bus route because they are over the age of 70.

We must take all safety precautions and mitigate all risks, in particular regarding 101 licences, which require annual medical tests. However, I do not see why Bus Éireann must continue to enforce a retirement age of 70. We should consider a retirement age of 73 or 75 years. The Government must act now in order to avoid a crisis next September.

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