Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
565. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 670 of 4 November 2025, if the independent assessment into the feasibility of removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 years-of-age from the school transport scheme has been concluded; and if so, what conclusion was reached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9420/26]
View answer569. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the independent assessment on the feasibility of removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 years-of-age from the school transport system has begun; and the date by which its findings will be presented to her. [9582/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 565 and 569 together.
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 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 and is available on the Oireachtas website here:
The Department continues to engage with Bus Éireann and the Department of Transport on this commitment under the Programme for Government.
