Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1002. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will examine the feasibility of introducing a mechanism whereby Bus Éireann school bus drivers who reach the age of 70 could continue in employment if in possession of a valid bus licence. [46983/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.

The retirement age for school bus drivers has been set by Bus Éireann at 70 years of age, which also applies to all Bus Éireann road passenger services.

The policy and criteria also apply to drivers nominated by private operators who operate services as part of the School Transport Scheme, provided they hold the requisite license and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70.

The Road Safety Authority, under the remit of the Department of Transport, committed to reviewing the upper age limit of drivers as it relates to larger vehicles/school buses. This review is now complete.

Under the new Programme for Government, a commitment has been made to "Carry out an independent assessment on the feasibility of removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 from the School Transport Scheme".

My Department continues to engage with both the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann to address challenges related to driver and contractor shortages. To address this persistent issue, a taskforce was established which is chaired by the Department of Transport. The Department of Transport has advised that the aim of the taskforce is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues and put forward recommendations and measures to create a pipeline of workers to address these issues. In line with the Department of Transport PfG commitment, this taskforce is currently examining all challenges and opportunities to ensure a fully resourced transport workforce, such as drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers. All factors impacting issues such as recruitment, training and retention will be considered as a part of the taskforce’s work programme.

As part of this work, Bus Éireann has actively sought to recruit more contractors and drivers for the School Transport Scheme. A national and local media campaign was launched earlier this year to attract professional drivers. Further information can be found at:

The Department is engaging with the Department of Transport and with Bus Éireann on this matter.