Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)

The Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland's pre-budget 2026 submission is a call for fairness, common sense and strategic investment in Ireland's commercial bus and coach sector. This industry is essential. It delivers over 95% of school transport services, supports 11,500 jobs and contributes €620 million annually to the economy. It carries 75 million passengers per year, including tourists, students and rural and urban commuters, yet is undermined by outdated policies and unequal treatment.

Let us start with the unfair exclusion of commercial operators from public fare reduction schemes. This has created a two-tier public transport system. Passengers who rely on private operators, many in rural and urban areas, are denied the cost-of-living supports offered to others. It is essential that commercial bus operators are treated similarly from a competitiveness perspective. This is not the situation at present as a result of the unequal and unfair application of the 20% fare reduction scheme to customers of NTA-licensed public transport services. If this is not addressed, it will further undermine the sustainability of commercial bus operators which are already under significant pressure.

I will share some key facts. Some 80% of private operators are based outside of Dublin, serving communities with limited transport options. Some 80% of Ireland's bus fleet is privately owned and half is less than five years old, thereby meeting EU emissions standards. The sector invests €80 million annually in new vehicles. One bus can replace 30 cars, thereby easing congestion and cutting emissions. Buses have the lowest carbon footprint per passenger of any motorised transport.

Another issue is the ban on drivers over the age of 70 operating school bus routes by imposed by successive Ministers. This is despite a national shortage of drivers. These individuals can legally drive children to matches or swimming lessons, just not to and from school in the morning or afternoon. This policy is not only illogical, it is discriminatory. It sidelines experienced and medically fit drivers who want to contribute and are badly needed. The Government must act now to lift this restriction and allow qualified drivers over 70 to return to school transport services.

I wish to make the Minister aware of a particular case - there are similar cases in communities throughout Ireland - namely that of the 20 to 30 children in Ballinadee, County Cork, who are eligible for school transport. The operator has no driver under the age of 70. He has a driver who is over 70 years of age and who is fully medically fit. However, that individual is not allowed drive a school bus. These children are being left on the side of the road with no way of getting to school. Budget 2026 must reflect these priorities. This is about fairness, common sense and ensuring that Ireland's transport system works for everyone.

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