Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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176. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he is taking to address the shortage of mechanics. [52395/23]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department is aware of the issues a shortage of mechanics is causing for the public transport system in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52396/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.

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 are experiencing difficulties in recruiting mechanics , which is impacting the maintenance and servicing of vehicles and potentially affecting service delivery. These issues are found across all types of operators both public and private.

Despite regular recruitment campaigns and apprenticeship programs, the industry has been unable to attract enough candidates to fill the vacancies. To address this issue, the Department of Transport has supported the removal of mechanics from the Ineligible Occupations List as part of the ongoing review of the list by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as mechanics are crucial for maintaining existing public transport services and implementing government programs.

I understand that the review process is ongoing with submissions to the review under consideration by the Interdepartmental Group (IDG) on Economic Migration Policy. It is expected that a report will be finalised shortly for the consideration of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, following which any recommendations approved would be implemented through amendment to the Employment Permits regulations thereafter.