Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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170. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of new licence exchange agreements with non-EU or EEA countries, which would allow HGV companies to expand their pool of potential employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46459/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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In 2021, due to a shortage of professional drivers in Ireland and in the wider EU, the then Minister of State for Transport requested the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to prioritise the assessment of driving licence exchange agreements with countries that may provide Ireland with professional truck and bus drivers.

The RSA has engaged with Ukraine, Moldova, North Macedonia, Argentina and Georgia to consider exchange agreements. The Ukrainian process was paused and EU-wide arrangements are now in place on recognition of Ukrainian licences. The review processes with North Macedonia and Georgia are complete and work on the relevant agreements is in progress. The review processes for Argentina and Moldova are undergoing further consideration.