Bus Éireann, as the Tánaiste may be aware, does not allow drivers aged over 70 to operate on its school routes or passenger services. Other private operators can do this safely. In the area I come from, we have many companies operating school services on behalf of Bus Éireann which are having difficulty finding drivers, yet we have many people aged 70 or slightly older who want to drive the school buses but are not permitted to do so. We know lots of people of that age who are in great condition. It is not like it used to be - 70 is the new 60. I ask that this be reviewed to ensure that people are at least given an opportunity to be clinically assessed rather than having a blanket ban apply at the age of 70. Lots of colleagues in this House who are over 70 are flying fit and in great form. They are well able to do the job. The same should apply, on a case-by-case basis, to people who wish to drive school buses. Drivers are badly needed.

I agree with the Deputy. I have spoken to the Minister for Transport on this. Bus Éireann has not facilitated it. It would cite medical issues. I put forward the idea that perhaps we should have an independent reference point from the medical world, for example, in the geriatric world, and people could give us an informed opinion on the point the Deputy made about those aged 70, 71, 72 and 73 being in a position to drive. Chronology is always a crude barometer of people's capabilities. I certainly think there are people in their early 70s who are quite capable of driving school buses on a part-time basis or whatever, which is generally the nature of the work. We have a real problem sourcing drivers. I am supportive of the general thrust of the Deputy's remarks. If we could get some sort of independent medical backing or advice to underpin a decision, that would be the way to go.