Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has contacted the Education Authority to seek reassurance that immediate steps will be taken to address the health concerns of school bus drivers. 

The West Belfast MP said: 

“As schools are preparing to reopen across the north, there are concerns over arrangements for school transport, not least of all from bus drivers themselves. 

“It was concerning today that some special need school bus drivers in Belfast did not carry out their duty due to health and safety concerns. 

“This has caused stress for special needs pupils and their parents at a time of already heightened anxiety as children return to schools. 

“I have contacted the Education Authority to request they take urgent steps to ensure the health and safety of drivers and pupils is protected. 

“Some of the simple, but effective measures that can and should be put in place includes perplex screens on buses. 

“Sinn Féin has continuously lobbied the Education Minister on the issue of school transport and has stressed the importance of having protections in place for school drivers and pupils.”