Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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170. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which the issuing of road haulage licences will commence; the number of pending applications; and the anticipated timeframe required to clear the backlog. [14819/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I understand that the Deputy is asking about the issuing of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licences and not Haulage Licences.

The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), provided by the Road Safety Authority issues driver licences and learner permits. The NDLS resumed services on Monday 8 June 2020. The service resumed on a gradual basis and by Monday 29 June all NDLS centres, except Clifden and Belmullet, had reopened. Further information on the resumption of the NDLS service can be found on the website www.ndls.ie.

I have referred the question relating to the number of pending applications and the anticipated time frame required to clear any backlog that may exists to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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171. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to change the driver licence criteria that would allow licenceholders in category D and D1 to drive vehicles in category CE and C1E. [14820/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I have no plans to change the driver licence criteria that would allow licence holders in category D and D1 to drive vehicles in category CE and C1E.

Category D and D1 relate to buses, while category CE and C1E relate to trucks. While there are similarities, there are also different competencies required when passing a test for driving a bus (responsibility in respect to the carriage of passengers) or a truck (vehicle loading).