Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The licensed hauliers emergency support scheme, LHESS, is badly needed. I thank the Minister for rolling it out and for supporting the haulage industry, which needs it so badly. Like any scheme, there will be anomalies. Livestock hauliers are trying to be included in the scheme. Under the law, they are exempt from having a haulage operator's licence for their business. As a result, they are unable to apply for the LHESS. Many hauliers in Tipperary and all over the country are registered with the Department of Transport and hold a professional competence certificate in road haulage transport, but they cannot apply for this scheme because of the exemption. Companies are employed directly as contractors for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the marts throughout the country. They are a vital link in our food chain. Livestock haulage companies are fully tax compliant, hold a current C2 certificate and are registered with the Road Safety Authority, RSA. Like all haulage companies, they face the same costs. Will the Minister try to meet with this group to include it? It is a good scheme but it needs to be tweaked to bring in these important players.

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