School Transport Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2016

Wednesday, 20 January 2016

Questions (148)

Shane Ross

Question:

148. Deputy Shane Ross asked the Minister for Education and Skills the channels available to enable drivers who were working prior to the introduction of the new certificate of professional competence regulations, but who subsequently lost their jobs, to upskill at a nearby training centre, without incurring a cost while on social protection, given that there are certified courses nationwide which cost money for training and which might not be affordable for this group; if a one-off free course will be provided to help such drivers get back into the jobs market, or a subsidy provided for doing the paid courses; if such a proposal will be forwarded to SOLAS, the Road Safety Authority and any other relevant agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2399/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is responsible for the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) regulations for commercial drivers. I understand that training is provided by a range of Road Safety Authority approved providers. SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority has informed me that the Education and Training Boards provide the following training programmes in the commercial driving area:

- Heavy Goods Vehicle (Rigid) Driver;

- Heavy Goods Vehicle (Artic) Driver;

- Bus Driving D Licence;

- Coach Driver with Guiding;

- Delivery Driver;

- Fuel Efficient Truck Driver; and

- Fuel Efficient Bus Driver.

These courses are provided free of charge to participants who are referred to them by the Department of Social Protection.

Unemployed people who undertake paid training courses may qualify for a Training Support Grant, which is administered by the Department of Social Protection. More broadly, they can contact their local Intreo Office to discuss the various options that are available to them.