David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the engagement he and his Departmental officials have had with sectoral representative bodies and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with respect to the availability of mechanics nationally; his plans to make a case to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to expand the current employment permits system to accommodate non-EEA applicants for mechanic positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18451/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that there is a widespread shortage of motor vehicle mechanics in Ireland and across the European Union. Within my remit, this has had a notable impact on the operation of the National Car Testing Service (NCTS), which requires a qualified workforce to carry out statutory vehicle roadworthiness testing.

The operation of the NCTS is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). My officials are meeting with the RSA on a weekly basis to monitor the current situation and ensure all possible actions are being taken to reduce delays for vehicle owners in securing a test date, including facilitating all appropriate requests for support. The Deputy will know that in 2022 my Department engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to secure approval for recruitment of 100 non-EU/EEA qualified vehicle inspectors to carry out roadworthiness tests. Over 40 individuals have since between hired by the NCTS contractor and a further 55 are now at recruitment stage.

The RSA has recently engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to prepare a further application and my officials are providing all necessary support to facilitate this process.