Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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79. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can detail the position in relation to public transport companies hiring bus drivers; if shortages in staff are being addressed; the current number of staff shortages affecting Bus Éireann, Go Ahead and Dublin Bus; if he or his officials have had any discussion with these companies on plans to attract and retain staff, specifically in relation to improvements in pay and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20796/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport such as driver recruitment.

I understand that many operators in the transport sector have experienced difficulties in recruiting new drivers. These issues are found across all types of operators both public and private. The National Transport Authority (NTA) have been working with operators to try and mitigate the impacts including running recruitment campaigns.

My Department also engaged with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to secure changes to the employment permit system and as a result a quota of 1,500 employment permits for bus and coach drivers from non-EU and non-EEA Countries has been established to help address the recruitment challenges being faced by the sector.

It should be noted that driver recruitment has improved. For example, in December 2022, Dublin Bus reported that the company recruited 319 drivers since January 2022. Dublin Bus also recently advised that applications for the role have increased considerably in recent months.

Concerning terms and conditions of employees (including pay and conditions), these are matters for the relevant companies and do not fall within my remit as Minister for Transport.

I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Go-Ahead for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.