Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
229. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the measures that will be introduced as a matter of urgency to assist the haulage industry due to the particular problems facing that sector at present as a result of increased costs and labour shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54670/21]
View answerLike many other sectors of the economy, road haulage is facing the dual challenges of increased costs and labour shortages.
The global oil price has increased substantially in 2021; however, the Minister for Finance has retained the diesel rebate scheme for the present. The scheme, first introduced in 2013, allows licensed haulage and bus operators to apply to Revenue for a rebate on tax paid on diesel purchased in the State.
In relation to labour shortages, it is clear that the haulage sector is facing driver shortages across Europe and not just in Ireland. The HGV driver shortage is a multifaceted issue, with a wide range of different contributing factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has clearly had a huge impact on the labour market for all sectors.
The National Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group, which my Department chairs, has been engaged on this issue since it was established in 2019. The Group includes haulage and logistics sector industry representatives, education and training providers and all relevant Government Departments and Agencies. I have asked the Group to examine the HGV driver shortage issue and make recommendations, which I expect to receive shortly.
A number of actions are already being implemented. I have been working with colleagues across Government to help address the current difficulties facing the sector, for example:
- Following engagement with Minister English and discussions between my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the quota for employment permits for HGV drivers from outside the EU is being removed.
- In tandem with this, the Road Safety Authority is pursuing HGV driver license exchange agreements with a number of non-EEA countries, to allow drivers from these countries to apply for Irish employment permits.
- I have had a range of meetings with the haulage and logistics sector to discuss the issue and get their perspective on the key actions that will help to ease the current shortage of drivers; and
- I wrote to Education and Training Boards Ireland to offer support for the many HGV driver training courses offered by the ETBs around the country.
