Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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201. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of certificates of professional competence that have issued to Ukrainian lorry drivers now based in Ireland to enable them to earn a living here as lorry drivers since 24 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54902/22]

Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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202. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of certificate of professional competence courses for Ukrainian lorry drivers, an essential prerequisite to enable them to obtain a CPC to earn a living here as lorry drivers, since 24 February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54903/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.

Under European Union Regulation (EU) 2022/1280, which came into force on 27 July, Ukrainians residing in Ireland under the Temporary Protection Directive may drive here on their national driving licences. All categories on the holder's Ukrainian licence are recognised. The Regulation applies to driver documents held by Ukrainians admitted to the EU under the Temporary Protection Directive and for the period of temporary protection only.

A person with C or D categories on their licence (trucks and buses) must have a driver certificate of professional competence (CPC) to drive a truck or bus professionally in Ireland. The EU Regulation allows for recognition of Ukrainian CPCs, subject to the holder undergoing additional compulsory training. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is developing this programme of additional compulsory training, which will comprise 35 hours of training, 8 hours of supervised driving and a driver theory test.

Legislative and system changes are being made and the RSA and my department are working to have these processes in place as soon as possible. The RSA website will be updated with details of the training required once arrangements are finalised.

Prior to Regulation 2022/1280, Ukrainians admitted here under temporary protection could exchange their Ukrainian driving licences for an Irish licence (car only) for a period of 12 months. This exchange was provided between 22 April and 27 July 2022, under the Road Traffic (Recognition of Foreign Driving Licences) (Ukraine) Order 2022. Truck and bus (category C and D) licences were not exchangeable. A Ukrainian who obtained an Irish car licence under this Order could get a category C or D licence in the usual manner, by applying for a C or D learner permit, taking driving lessons and passing a driving test. To drive professionally, they would then need to complete the certificate of professional competence (CPC) initial training course to obtain a driver qualification card.

In line with Regulation 22/1280, CPC qualification cards will be issued to Ukrainian driving licence holders who successfully complete the additional compulsory training once the training programme is in place. The RSA may be able to supply the Deputy with the number of qualification cards issued since 24 February to Ukrainian holders of Irish driving licences who are resident in Ireland, if such a distinction is available. I am therefore referring this part of the Question to the RSA for reply and I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a reply has not been received within 10 days.