The retirement age for certain school transport drivers is set to increase by two years from next September, reports RTE.
Under the approved changes, drivers of small public service vehicles carrying up to eight passengers under the School Transport Scheme will see the maximum age rise from 70 to 72 on a two-year trial basis, reports RTE.
Minister of State Seán Canney said the move is aimed at supporting continuity in services for families nationwide.
“This is a practical, sensible step that will help ensure continuity of school transport services, particularly in rural areas where driver availability has become a real challenge”, he said, reports RTE.
Mr Canney said experienced drivers play a key role in many communities and retaining them where it is safe to do so is important.
“Experienced drivers are the backbone of school transport in many communities”, he said, adding that it makes sense “to retain that experience where it is safe to do so”, reports RTE.
The decision follows a detailed review involving Bus Éireann, the Department of Education and the Department of Transport, as well as independent safety analysis.
Drivers aged between 70 and 72 will be required to undergo medical fitness certification every six months, reports RTE.
The extension will apply only to smaller vehicles and will be closely monitored during the two-year trial period.
A full review will take place before any decision is made on whether to introduce the change permanently, reports RTE.
“This is about keeping services running for families who rely on them every day,” Mr Canney said.
“We are taking a measured approach – trialling the change, monitoring it carefully, and making decisions based on evidence”, he added, reports RTE.
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