Scrap age restriction for school bus drivers over 70 – Kyne

The age limit preventing qualified drivers over the age of 70 from driving school buses needs to be removed, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Seán Kyne, who is Fine Gael’s candidate for the upcoming Galway West bye-election, described the rule as outdated and counterproductive at a time of driver shortages.

He highlighted that many experienced drivers in their 70s are fully capable, medically certified and eager to work, yet they’re blocked solely because of an arbitrary age threshold.

Senator Kyne said safety standards should be based on individual medical fitness, not blanket age bans.

“Around the country, schools and families are feeling the impact of the driver shortage. We have experienced, fully licenced drivers who are willing and able to help but the current regulations stop them, purely because they’ve passed their 70^th birthday,” he said.

Senator Kyne, who has raised this issue many times before in the Seanad, said he will continue to work closely with Minister for State at the Department of Transport Sean Canney to push for this change.

He called for an urgent review of the age restriction and replace it with a system which focuses on medical fitness.

“This is a common-sense measure which would support rural communities and strengthen school transport services, while also respecting the contribution of older workers,” Senator Kyne said.