Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

334. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to allow people who are contracted by Bus Éireann to drive buses for children with additional needs to continue to do so after they reach 70 years-of-age; her views on the current policy; the engagement her Department has had with Bus Éireann on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65498/25]

Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The School Transport Scheme is a substantial national 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.

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".

There is ongoing engagement between the Department and Bus Éireann to advance this commitment as quickly as possible, while also being cognisant of available evidence regarding any safety risks in the context of any change in policy.