IRL – Calls to Extend School Bus Driver Retirement Age

There are growing calls to raise the retirement age for school bus drivers from 70 to 72 in Ireland, primarily to address driver shortages and ensure safety through medical assessments. This move aims to allow experienced drivers to continue working while ensuring they meet the necessary medical standards for safe operation.

Elaboration:

• Recruitment Challenges:

Bus companies across Ireland are facing significant recruitment challenges, making it difficult to find enough qualified drivers.

• Safety Concerns:

While some argue that experienced drivers can be medically assessed to ensure their fitness to drive, others raise concerns about the safety of older drivers, particularly when dealing with children.

• Government Response:

The Road Safety Authority has reviewed the upper age limit for school bus drivers and is now considering the possibility of allowing drivers over 70 to continue working under specific conditions.

• Medical Assessments:

A key aspect of the proposed change is that drivers over 70 would need to undergo regular medical examinations to ensure they meet the necessary standards for safe driving.

• Alternative Solutions:

While raising the retirement age is being considered, other solutions, such as increasing training programs and attracting more people to the profession, are also being explored.