Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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221. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the recruitment crisis currently facing the transport sector; the steps and assistance his Department is providing to resolve the crisis and bring additional drivers into the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10666/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I am fully aware of the recruitment crisis currently facing the transport sector, and of the shortage of HGV drivers in particular. The driver shortage is not confined to Ireland; it has been a growing issue across Europe and globally for a number of years now. It is a multifaceted issue with a range of different contributing factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has clearly had a significant impact on the labour market for many sectors.

My Department established the National Logistics and Supply ChainSkills Group in 2019, the key objective of which is to support the promotion of careers, skills development and sustainable employment in the logistics and supply chain sectors in Ireland. The Group includes haulage and logistics sector industry representatives, education and training providers and all of the relevant Government Departments and Agencies.

Last year I asked the Group to examine the HGV driver shortage and make recommendations, with specific regard to actions that can be taken by Government and the industry. These recommendations were finalised at the end of 2021 and have been published here - gov.ie - Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group (www.gov.ie) The recommendations are aimed at ameliorating the supply issue, without undermining the working conditions and health and safety of drivers or other road users.

Implementation of the Recommendations will now be monitored via the Logistics and Supply ChainSkills Group who meet quarterly. Some of the recommendations have already been implemented and work is ongoing in respect of others.

For example, recruitment from abroad could make new drivers available in the short term. My Department maintains regular engagement with the Department of Social Protection (DSP), which has dedicated employer relations teams offering a range of supports and services to employers to fill vacancies including recruitment campaigns, specialised jobs fairs and through the online portal JobsIreland.ie.

The DSP organises events in the EU/EEA labour market via the EURES network. On 02 March next there will be a EURES event aimed at jobseekers based in Romania who are interested in coming to Ireland to work. On 15 March, there will be an event for jobseekers from across the EU with a focus specifically on jobs in Ireland in the transport sector, as well as in hospitality and construction. Companies can post job vacancies directly on the event website here - Jobs in Ireland 2022 – Hospitality, Construction & Transport | EURES - European Job Days – and I understand that many companies in the transport sector have already done so.

HGV drivers from outside the EU/EEA must have a valid employment permit and a visa to work in Ireland, if coming from a visa required state as defined by the Department of Justice. Following engagement with my colleague Minister of State English at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the quota for employment permits for HGV drivers from outside the EU/EEA was removed in 2021. I am aware that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is currently experiencing a high level of applications for work permits across all sectors but has recently assigned additional resources to work through this. Non EU/EEA drivers must also exchange their HGV drivers licence for an Irish licence. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with several countries and the Road Safety Authority, which oversees these agreements, is engaging with a number of other countries with a view to progressing further licence exchange agreements.

In terms of attracting young people already based in Ireland into transport careers, the promotion of education, training, careers and sustainable employment in the sector is crucial, along with skills development and career progression for existing workers. I am very encouraged at recent new programmes such as the BSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and the Logistics Associate Apprenticeship involving TU Dublin and Munster Technological University and, in development, the first ever Commercial Driver Apprenticeship programme at Sligo IT.

The Logistics and Supply Chains Skills Group has recently published a comprehensive Overview of the Existing Education and Training Provision in Logistics and Supply Chain. In addition, the group has prepared 2 general information notes on How to qualify as a HGV driver in Irelandand Requirements for recruitment of HGV Drivers who are non-EEA citizens, to assist individuals in understanding what is involved in becoming a HGV driver and companies in recruiting new talent. These notes are all available on the LSCSG webpage at the link provided above.

Regarding HGV driver testing in Ireland, in the 4 weeks prior to 20 February, an average of 211 tests for HGV drivers were carried out by RSA testers each week, with a pass rate of 78%. This means that 164 HGV drivers were qualified on average each week.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish a 10-year strategy for the haulage sector. The Government’s aim is to develop a strategy that will focus on generating efficiencies and improving standards, and helping the sector move to a low-carbon future. A section of the Strategy will focus on the driver and skills shortage – highlighting work underway and ensuring a focus remains on this issue. Work on the strategy is ongoing with a plan for further consultation with the public and stakeholders in the coming months.

I will continue to proactively engage with the freight transport, distribution and logistics sectors and the Government is committed to continuing to support the industry. It is vitally important for education, industry, and government to work together to enhance the appeal of a career in road haulage and logistics, so that the sector can both attract and retain talent.