Matthews Criticises Lack of Flexibility in School Bus Driver Recruitment

Green TD - Steven Matthews has criticised the Department of Education for their decision not to remove the blanket age limit on the recruitment of school bus drivers for the coming school year. The school bus scheme operated by Bus Éireann is not allowed to recruit school bus drivers over the age of 70. Following the submission of a parliamentary question to the Department of Education, Deputy Matthews said:

“It is frustrating to see that the Department of Education will not change its driver recruitment rules in time for the re-opening of schools in September. I recently wrote to the Minister asking for a review of this age limit to address the driver shortages that are affecting school bus services in Wicklow.

“The age limit of 70 needs to be re-considered in light of the shortage of school bus drivers. Not all people age in the same and there are many qualified drivers who would be able to work past this age if they wanted to. If necessary, a yearly test could be put in place to ensure safety standards are maintained. If we are to continue to expand the school bus system, this has to be urgently considered.

“Recruitment of school bus drivers should be undertaken on an individual basis and should not be limited by a ban on applicants over the age of 70. It is notable that the age at which regular drivers have to supply a medical report to renew their license has been increased from 70 to 75.

“The need to improve and expand the school transport scheme is an issue that I have been raising with the Minister for Education since I was elected. Last year in particular was an extremely challenging year for many families in securing school transport. I have been very clear that this is an unacceptable situation which urgently needs to be addressed by the Department of Education.

“Continuing to enforce a blanket age limit of 70 in the recruitment process simply does not make sense as we continue to face significant challenges in the provision of school transport. This is one solution which could allow for more school bus routes in Wicklow to become operational and reduce the stress on families unable to secure a place”, Deputy Matthews concluded.