Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
476. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the review into the upper age limit of 70 for drivers operating under the school transport scheme; when that review is expected to conclude; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16862/26]
View answer479. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether consideration is being given to permitting drivers over the age of 70 to continue operating school transport services subject to annual medical and eyesight certification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16865/26]
View answer480. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the role of Bus Éireann in determining the upper age limit for drivers operating under the school transport scheme; whether her Department has directed or requested a review of this policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16866/26]
View answer481. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the progress made to date on the Programme for Government commitment to assess the feasibility of removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 from participation in the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16867/26]
View answer512. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the review of the policy within the school transport scheme, which prevents school bus drivers aged 70 years-of-age and over from driving will be completed; her plans to change this policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17042/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 476, 479, 480, 481 and 512 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: PAC - RSA report over 70s.
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.
