Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:163. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport the actions he is taking to reduce the barriers to entry into the profession of commercial driving. [36968/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 July 2021
Ceisteanna (163)
Freagraí scríofa
Commercial drivers must, among other things, hold the correct category of driving licence and a certificate of professional competence. These document are required under EU law and are provided for in Directives 2006/126/EU and 2003/59/EC.
If the Deputy is aware of any specific barriers to entry into the profession of commercial driving, she should contact my office directly.
There are also a number of other current initiatives relevant to the profession. A Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group is in place since 2019 on the basis of recommendations made by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. The EGSFN’s 2018 report highlighted critical skills gaps in key areas of the Freight Transport, Distribution and Logistics (FTDL) sectors, with particular emphasis on HGV driver shortages.
The Group includes industry representatives, education and training providers and all relevant Government Departments and Agencies and includes the profession of commercial driving within its remit. The Group met most recently on 30 June 2021 and will meet again in the autumn.
I should also mention that the Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish and implement a 10-year Haulage Strategy. An initial public consultation on this is currently underway and includes a section on labour market and skills. In June I was pleased to host a Haulage Strategy Webinar, which included a speaker from the International Road Transport Union who emphasised that the road haulage industry is facing driver shortage issues across Europe.