We need to consider increasing the mandatory retirement age for Bus Éireann bus drivers beyond 70 years of age. This week, I have been inundated with calls from bus drivers and operators regarding this issue. They feel we will face a crisis next September to fill school bus routes in order to get our children to primary and secondary schools.

I spoke to a bus operator yesterday which will have to refuse two bus routes next year because the company cannot get anyone to fill them. I spoke to another operator today who has nine mandatory retirements coming this year and does not see anyone who can fill the routes. It is nonsensical and illogical that bus drivers can legally drive from Malin to Mizen Head but cannot operate a school bus route because they are over the age of 70.

We must take all safety precautions and mitigate all risks, in particular regarding 101 licences, which require annual medical tests. However, I do not see why Bus Éireann must continue to enforce a retirement age of 70. We should consider a retirement age of 73 or 75 years. The Government must act now in order to avoid a crisis next September.

I agree with the Deputy. This needs to be urgently reviewed. I will ask the Minister involved to do that. Chronological age does not determine a person's health and fitness, in particular in a modern era where, thankfully, the population is living longer and lifespan is increasing.

There are huge issues around having enough drivers for school transport. Our systems need to be far more agile and nimble in facilitating the recruitment of drivers, in particular for the school run which is not overly taxing. The Deputy has laid out the position very well. I will speak to the Minister to see if he can engage with the relevant agencies. I believe the Road Safety Authority, RSA, has an issue with this. There may be insurance issues and so on. I will certainly pursue the matter on behalf of the Deputy.