Bus Éireann must re-examine policy on over 70 drivers

The shortage of drivers for school buses has seen one local TD to seek a review of age restrictions for eligible drivers.

Longford Westmeath Deputy, Micheál Carrigy, says the cut off age for bus drivers by Bus Éireann must be removed to ensure all children can get to school in September.

According to Deputy Carrigy the high demand for school bus places coupled with the shortage of drivers should force the State transport provider to look at allowing qualified drivers over 70 drive school buses.

“Every year we hear stories across the country of a shortage of drivers and there is a simple solution, let qualified, experienced drivers over 70 drive school buses,” he said.

The Fine Gael representative believes there are many drivers who would take up the posts: “There are many qualified bus drivers around Ireland who are currently ruled out under the School Transport Scheme because of their age who would be more than happy to keep driving.

“This rule doesn’t apply to those driving private buses, where someone over 70 can drive children to a match or concert but they can’t be hired to drive children to school every day.”

Deputy Carrigy said checks should be in place, but not to the exclusion of fit drivers: “Road safety will always be the guiding principle when it comes to the transport of school children and teenagers, but we shouldn’t exclude experienced and medically fit drivers simply because of their age.

“Families across the country are worried about whether they can get a place for their child on their school bus for September. A reversal of this policy won’t solve all capacity issues, but it could be a key part of addressing this.”

He believes the matter is something Bus Éireann should consider: “I urge all interested parties and sectors to work on this as a matter of urgency, we need a practical and safe resolution to this issue that will put families across the country at ease as schools return.

“The Programme for Government commits to carry out an independent assessment on the feasibility of removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 from the School Transport Scheme. We need this assessment carried out so we can find the best way to increase the age requirement.”

Deputy Carrigy concluded by saying: “Fine Gael and Minister McEntee are committed to finding ways to increase the number of bus drivers and the number of children benefiting from school bus services.”