Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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422. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts being made to encourage more persons to undertake apprenticeships in logistics and to qualify as drivers to alleviate the shortage of heavy goods vehicle drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60093/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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At the end of November 2021, there were 230 apprentices registered across the five existing logistics apprenticeships. (Lean Sigma Manager, Logistics Associate, Supply Chain Associate, Supply Chain Manager and Supply Chain Specialist). Development funding for the purposes of progressing the proposed Level 6 apprenticeship in Transport Operations and Commercial Driving was released in late October 2021 and progress on programme validation is ongoing.

Existing education and training relevant to HGV drivers is centred on the delivery of the 29 week traineeship which incorporates both C Rigid and CE Artic licensing in one programme along with other relevant qualifications. This is available through a number of ETBs. Upskilling programmes for HGV drivers includes a three-day SMART driving course leading to a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Digital Assisted Eco Driving (HGV).

The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 sets out a number of measures in relation to widening access to apprenticeship. Recent activity in relation to these measures includes increased advertising of roles on www.apprenticeshipjobs.ie, widening visibility of apprenticeship through adding a link to the CAO home screen as well as providing a dedicated apprenticeship guidance counsellor phone line to support the new links.

The Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group, under the Minister of State for Transport, Hildegarde Naughton T.D., have been requested to examine the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver shortage and to make recommendations, with specific regard to actions that can be taken by Government and the industry. I understand that these recommendations are being drafted and are aimed at ameliorating the supply issue, without undermining the working conditions and health and safety of drivers or other road users.