Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
394. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to change the regulations regarding persons aged 70 and over, driving vehicles providing a public service such as school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65626/25]
View answerThe 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.
