Neale Richmond
Ceist:175. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the efforts that are being made to alleviate the shortage of HGV drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60089/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 7 December 2021
Ceisteanna (175)
Freagraí scríofa
I am keenly aware of the difficulties caused by the shortage of HGV drivers, given that the road haulage sector has a highly important role in our economy. The HGV driver shortage is a challenge here in Ireland and throughout Europe. It is a multifaceted issue with a range of different contributing factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has clearly had a significant impact on the labour market for many sectors.
My Department established the National Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group in 2019, the key objective of which is to support the promotion of careers, skills development and sustainable employment in the logistics and supply chain sectors in Ireland. The Group includes haulage and logistics sector industry representatives, education and training providers and all of the relevant Government Departments and Agencies. I have asked the Group to examine the HGV driver shortage issue and to make recommendations, which I expect to receive shortly.
The promotion of education, training, careers and sustainable employment in the sector is crucial, along with skills development and career progression for existing workers. My Department has engaged with the Department of Social Protection (DSP), which has dedicated employer relations teams offering a range of supports and services to employers to fill vacancies including recruitment campaigns, specialised jobs fairs and through the online portal JobsIreland.ie.
I understand that the DSP organises recruitment events in the EU/EEA labour market for sectors where there are particularly acute labour shortages and that it will run a transport-focused event early in the new year. My Department will engage with industry to promote the event.
HGV drivers from outside the EU/EEA must have a valid employment permit and a visa, if coming from a visa-required state as defined by the Department of Justice. Following engagement with my colleague Minister of State English at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the quota for employment permits for HGV drivers from outside the EU/EEA has been removed. These drivers must also exchange their HGV driver licences for an Irish licence. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with several countries and the Road Safety Authority, which oversees these agreements, is engaging with a number of other countries with a view to progressing further licence exchange agreements.
Regarding driver testing in Ireland, in the 4 weeks prior to December 1st, an average of 153 tests for HGV drivers were carried out by RSA testers each week, with a pass rate of almost 75%. This means that 114 HGV drivers were qualified on average each week.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish a 10-year strategy for the haulage sector. The Government’s aim is to develop a strategy that will focus on generating efficiencies and improving standards, and helping the sector move to a low-carbon future. I remain mindful of the driver and skills shortage facing the sector, and a section of the Haulage Strategy will focus on this.
Minister Ryan and I will continue to proactively engage with the freight transport, distribution and logistics sectors and the Government remains committed to continuing to support the industry.