asked the Minister for Labour the arrangements which are being made to provide training for drivers of vehicles conveying dangerous chemicals in the light of the discontinuation by FÁS of the hazardous chemicals training programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dangerous Chemicals Transportation.
30.
Under the Dangerous Substances (Conveyance of Scheduled Substances by Road) (Trade or Business) Regulations, 1980, a carrier shall not appoint a driver to be employed in the carriage of a scheduled hazardous chemical by road unless the driver has received adequate training and instruction before his appointment, My Department are under no obligation, however, to provide such training for drivers.
Since 1983, under its "Training Within Industry" programme, FÁS has organised a training course, known as the Hazfreight Programme, for drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous substances. FÁS has now discontinued this course following a review and restructuring of its training advisory service. The last course undertaken concluded on 23 October 1988.
My Department will encourage the industry to make arrangements for a suitable replacement training course. Officials of my Department have made preliminary approaches to representative bodies in the chemical and haulage industries and will arrange meetings to explore the possibilities of alternative training arrangements.