Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy continuously refers to the haulage industry, which I am aware is having difficulty in recruiting drivers. However, having engaged with the industry, I also know there are haulage companies that are offering very good terms and conditions of employment and they, too, are having serious difficulty recruiting staff. It is unfair to say the reason there is a difficulty in the haulage industry is that everybody is expecting hauliers to be self-employed. That is simply not the case and it is not factually accurate.

I concur with the Deputy that there is anecdotal evidence of an issue in this regard. We need to strengthen the data and evidence and ensure this issue is tackled, because it is wrong from an exploitation perspective and in terms of loss of earning to the State and, in addition, it distorts competition when legitimate companies are hiring people legitimately and paying their taxes but are unable to compete. That is why the matter will be on the agenda next Monday at LEEF.

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