Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government contains a commitment to improve the school transport scheme, but again this year we face a shortage of drivers. We have had a shortage of drivers for the past two years but it is going to be worse this year because more pupils are coming on stream. Bus operators cannot get extra drivers. In approximately 19 or 20 weeks we will again face a crisis in school transport.

There is a solution, which I raised with the Tánaiste five weeks ago. The Taoiseach agreed with the point again this week on the floor of the Dáil. The Tánaiste and the Taoiseach are on board with the approach. Currently, those over 70 cannot drive buses under the school bus scheme. They cannot drive 15 kids to school for 8.30 a.m. or 9.30 a.m. but they can drive a 52-seat bus to Cork or Dublin on a school tour an hour later. It is a ludicrous situation. There are many drivers who have reached the age of 70 in recent weeks and months sitting at home twiddling their thumbs. Meanwhile, we have a shortage of drivers. Surely to God, what we need to do is ensure they pass a medical test, including an eye test, annually. If they pass that strict test, then we should let them keep driving until they are 75.

I have raised this issue previously and a number of others are beginning to raise it now as well. Could the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, bring this request to the Minister for Transport in order to solve the problem? I am putting forward a practical solution to the problem.

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