As the Taoiseach will be aware, while the Minister for Transport is not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport and public transport companies such as Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus, he has statutory responsibility for public transport policy. In this context, will the Taoiseach instruct the Minister to revise the unfair policy of mandatory retirement for drivers who reach the age of 70 years despite being in possession of full public service vehicle licences and driver licences and who are certificated as medically fit to drive? This revision should also apply to drivers who have been working as contractors with Bus Éireann and who are currently required to retire at 70 years of age as well. This is a discriminatory, unfair and counterproductive policy that needs to be changed because it goes against the Government policy of urging people to stay on in the workforce if they so wish.

I do not think I can instruct the Minister for Transport, either legally or politically, but I know this issue has come up a number of times. My general view when it comes to these matters is that, if someone is fit and healthy enough to work for longer, he or she should be allowed to do so, but I think there may be insurance issues when it comes to bus drivers. I will certainly let the Minister know the issue was raised again.