Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

839. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to cater for drivers who require a CPC to drive a lorry; and if it is possible to complete same online as can be done in the UK. [8096/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has made allowances for professional drivers with driver CPC cards that have expired, or that are due to expire, and who are prevented from completing training due to the current Covid 19 outbreak.

Drivers who hold a CPC card due to expire (or expired on or after the 26 March 2020) have been granted an extension of a maximum of six months up to the 26th September 2020. Drivers will be required to complete any outstanding periodic training in advance of the 26th of September 2020.

There is no provision in place for the RSA to allow CPC courses to take place online. Driver CPC is classroom based and legislation governing CPC training states training must take place in an RSA approved CPC training centre. In addition, the RSA would have concerns in relation to on-line training as it would be difficult to quality assure the training session and ensure that drivers complete the minimum 7 hours training.

However, my department and the RSA are currently working plans for the gradual resumption of the various statutory functions of the Authority, following on from last week's resumption of Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing, and I expect to make further announcements in coming weeks.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

840. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if supports will be made available to private bus companies providing school transport but not being funded by Bus Éireann to ensure social distancing measures can be properly implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8115/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The School Transport Scheme comes under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Education and Skills. Bus services outside that scheme are part of the overall public transport sector.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is working with public transport operators (both public and private) who are implementing public health advice in relation to issues such as cleaning regimes and social distancing measures designed to limit the risk of spreading Covid-19. The public health advices apply across all public transport. The recently announced 'Return to Work Safely Protocol' also sets out the steps and processes employers and workers must take to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace.

From my Department's engagement their representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout, I understand the very difficult business environment that commercial bus operators are facing. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for very many business sectors.

That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of the commercial operators.