Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I thank Mr. Hyland, chair and president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, for that opening statement. As Chair, I wish to be clear that I fully recognise the importance of the road haulage sector in Ireland. It is the backbone of domestic and international trade. As Mr. Hyland said, probably 90% of all goods, on average, are transported by road. Hauliers connect businesses and they then connect those same businesses with our ports and airports. The sector supports so many thousands of jobs, which are crucial both for rural Ireland and on a regional level.

In response to the opening statement and before I go to individual members for questions, reference was made to the role of, and engagement with, the RSA. The IRHA met the RSA in July of last year. Has it met the RSA this year?