Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2024
331. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education what actions are being taken to ensure that bus drivers aged over 70 years can provide school bus services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29495/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
It is Bus Éireann company policy that normal retirement age for all Bus Drivers is currently 70 years. This includes Bus Éireann Bus Drivers and drivers nominated by private operators who operate services as part of the School Transport Scheme. They may continue to perform in the role provided they hold the requisite license and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70. This policy and criteria is applied to all drivers who provide school transport services on behalf of Bus Éireann equally.
Bus Éireann and Department officials meet regularly to discuss operational and policy matters.
The age limit on school bus drivers was increased to 70 years a number of years ago. While Bus Éireann keep the age limits of drivers under review, they have informed the Department that there is no plan to increase the age limit further at this time.
