All enquires relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the provision of which I have delegated to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the relevant legislation. I have forwarded the Deputy's query on the number of South African driving licences exchanged for Irish licences to the RSA for direct reply. If he has not heard from them in 10 working days I would ask that he contact my office directly.
I am very much aware of the
difficulty the transport industry is having in securing professional drivers. This is a problem that is not just confined to Ireland. It has been a growing concern across Europe and globally for a number of years now. It is a multifaceted issue with a range of different contributing factors, including the Covid pandemic, Brexit and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which have clearly had a significant impact on the labour market for many sectors.
The Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group, established by my Department, published recommendations with specific regard to actions that could be taken by Government and the road haulage industry to help alleviate the HGV driver shortage (www.gov.ie/en/publication/cbbc9-logistics-and-supply-chain-skills-group). The recommendations are aimed at improving the supply issue, without undermining the working conditions and health and safety of drivers or other road users.
In addition, measures to help alleviate the driver shortage will be included in the forthcoming 10-year strategy for the road haulage sector which, as outlined in the Programme for Government, will focus on generating efficiencies, improving standards, and helping the sector move to a low-carbon future.
