Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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1227. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to increase the number of non-EU work permits to allow an organisation (details supplied) to fill vacancies in the truck driving industry; the working terms and conditions of those employed in the industry with specific reference to wage structures; the position regarding the roll-out of the three-year HGV driver apprenticeship by the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15308/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Following a review carried out by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, during which my Department was consulted, non-EU/EEA HGV drivers were removed temporarily from the Ineligible Categories of Employment List, subject to a maximum quota of 120 general employment permits under the Employment Permit Regulations 2017 effective from 3 April 2017.

It is my understanding from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation that a substantial number of the 120 permits available have not been availed of to date. The position will be kept under review.

Wages in the haulage industry are subject to market conditions rather than direct regulation. The Workplace Relations Commission has responsibility for employee rights and the regulations governing terms and conditions of employment.

The development of an apprenticeship programme for HGV drivers is a matter for SOLAS, the state agency with responsibility for the management of the national apprenticeship system.