Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
398. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the parameters of the independent assessment into the feasibility of the over-70s' exclusion from the school transport scheme will be agreed; and the deadline for completion of the report. [37258/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. In the current school year over 173,000 children are transported daily in approximately 8,200 vehicles across 10,600 routes to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
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.
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.
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".
The Department is engaging with the Department of Transport and with Bus Éireann on this matter.
