Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. This is an issue on which I know the Deputy has been very proactive. I agree with him there is no reason we would not just get this sorted. The whole area of work permits for bus drivers from non-EU and non-EEA countries has been the subject of engagement between the Departments of Transport and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. In December 2022, as Members will know, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, announced changes to the permits system to help ease the recruitment challenges being faced in the transport sector with the establishment of a quota of 1,500 employment permits for bus and coach drivers. However, we all know there are still challenges out there. We need more bus drivers. I will ask that the Deputy be given a comprehensive reply from the relevant Departments on the important matters he raises here. At the end of the day, we want to get this sorted. As what the Deputy is suggesting makes sense, let us get on with it.

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