Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is a matter of urgency at this stage. The ball is firmly in the Government's court in terms of coming up with solutions. The hauliers have put their hands up. They are crying out for support. The Minister of State mentioned the alternatively fuelled heavy-duty vehicle purchase grant scheme. Approximately 60 vehicles bought under that scheme are currently parked up because they are not affordable to run due to compressed natural gas, CNG, not being included in the rebate. It is a perfect example of a failure of an environmental transition. It seems to me there is a significant element of the Government burying its head in the sand in respect of what immediately needs to happen to support the sector.

I refer to the skills shortage. There is a four-step process involving employment permits, visas if required, residency permits and then all the other pieces. That process needs to be streamlined and the Minister of State knows it does. It is an international crisis but there are particular issues in Ireland on which we can do more.

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