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

My sense is Applus is giving the RSA and the Government the runaround. That is my firm position. This company came before the Oireachtas committee and said the big issue was no-shows and people not turning up. When we questioned them on it, it transpired they are operating at 100% capacity and all those slots are filled. If there are no-shows, in some cases they are getting paid 150%. Applus has a dedicated workforce doing more tests than ever, is operating at greater than 100% capacity and gave those staff €10 for a Christmas bonus. Then they wonder why they cannot recruit.

There is a race to the bottom and an effort to save money and drive down standards. We do not see the same recruitment challenges in DOE centres, for example, where staff are paid an appropriate rate and have appropriate terms and conditions. There is a real need to get strong with Applus and ensure they are held to account. Rather than the idea of arbitration on the never-never in terms of sanctions for this company, the Minister of State needs to act now.

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