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

Access to the occupation of road haulage operator is regulated by this Department.  The Department of Transport's Road Transport Operator Licensing Unit issues licences to qualifying operators who wish to undertake road haulage for hire or reward.  All hauliers operating Heavy Goods Vehicles must hold a Road Haulage Operator Licence.  In addition, undertakings operating Light Commercial Vehicles for hire or reward internationally must also hold a licence.  This cohort of licensed road haulage operators may include some courier companies.  

In order to be granted a licence and continue to hold it, a number of requirements as set out in Regulation (EC) 1071/2009 must be met at all times, as follows: 

Establishment:  The operator must have a stable established premises in Ireland from which it conducts its operations.

Financial Standing:  The operator must demonstrate an adequate level of financial standing as set out in the Regulation.

Good Repute:  The operator must possess good repute and all relevant persons in the undertaking are subject to Garda vetting

Professional Competence:  The operator must have a designated Transport Manager who holds the relevant Transport Management Certificate of Professional Competence. 

Apart from the above, the Department does not have a role in regulating couriers in general.  If there is an issue relating to the service provided by a specific courier, this may be best addressed via the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, or by taking a claim against the company to the Small Claims Court.