Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2020
71. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a ferry operator (details supplied) requires truck drivers to share cabins on its route from France to Ireland; his views on whether this is an acceptable health practice in view of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34209/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough ongoing engagement with the shipping sector, officials from my Department have confirmed with all the ferry companies that, where possible, they have sought to provide drivers with single berth cabins. However, this is not always possible and will depend on the numbers of passengers (including HGV drivers) travelling on a particular ferry journey.
Where sufficient single berth cabins are not available, drivers are given the option of a socially distanced recliner seat or when drivers are already sharing a cab on their truck, they can be asked to share a multi berth cabin. However, it is understood that ferry companies do not compulsorily require truck drivers to share cabins on any routes.
A COVID-19 Agreed Protocol for international RoRo ships and terminal service operators, developed in consultation with the public health authorities and with industry, has been put in place. Further information is publicly available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ab625-protocols-for-international-travel/ This protocol has due regard to the national guidance in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and maintain passenger safety and aims to ensure a broadly consistent approach by maritime transport providers to facilitate maritime passenger transport as safely as possible.
The issue of single berth cabins for HGV drivers is essentially a matter between the HGV drivers and the ferry companies, and one on which the relevant road haulage representative organisations should engage directly with the ferry companies.
