A Laois TD has renewed calls to have the Government lift restrictions on bus drivers over the age of 70 from operating school buses.
Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley appealed to new Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien to lift the restrictions which have been in place since last year.
The decision was made on the back of a report from the Road Safety Authority, citing “specific sensitivities” around school buses.
“Currently we have a situation, where drivers who have passed their 70th birthday, cannot, for example, drive 12 children to school under the auspices of the school transport scheme, but can drive up to 72 Children to any part of the country on a private bus tour later that day,” Deputy Stanley said.
“This restriction is causing significant issues for drivers, many of whom rely of the income from this part-time work to supplement their state pension.
“It is also impacting on operators, who have difficulty recruiting drivers and at times this is leading to severe staff shortages.
“It caused some serious problems (last September) in terms of having sufficient numbers of drivers available for the school transport system in some parts of Laois.
“The government needs to take a practical approach to this issue. The solution to this is, that when drivers reach 70, that they do an eyesight test and medical checks.”
Deputy Stanley said that drivers who pass these tests should be allowed to continue driving “for another five or so years.”
The Laois TD said “people are healthier now,” are “living longer,” are “capable of remaining employed” and that “this is something that needs to be factored into policy making.”
Deputy Stanley said he has “engaged” with Minister O’Brien, and said his proposed changes would allow the Government to “reduce the staff shortages faced by operators in relation to school bus routes.”
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