Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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232. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) course for HGV drivers in Ireland was last reviewed and updated to consider new technologies in that area; who has responsibility for the setting of this CPC course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13168/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The driver certificate of professional competence (CPC) process is based on European Union Directive 2022/2561, which concerns the initial qualifications and periodic training of drivers of vehicles carrying goods or passengers. The Directive was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (SI 359 of 2008), as amended.

To drive a truck or bus professionally in Ireland, drivers must have a valid driver CPC, which involves four exams (theory test, case study, driving test and walkaround). This qualification is maintained by completing CPC periodic training of 35 hours in each five-year training cycle. Each of the five training modules consists of 7 hours training and drivers must do one module a year over the five years. Drivers with both a bus and a truck CPC must complete 42 hours of training over the five years.

One syllabus module is reviewed each year and it is hoped to increase the frequency of reviews. Module 2, Minimising Risks and Managing Emergencies in the Transport Industry, was reviewed and circulated for use in 2024 and the RSA is currently making slight amendments, based on feedback received from trainers. Module 1, Control of the Vehicle and Eco Driving Techniques. was also reviewed in 2024 and the RSA is currently working on the final draft, prior to it being circulated to all organisations for use.

The RSA is responsible for selecting the content in each module, based on the objectives in the EU Directive. When each module is being reviewed, the RSA works with CPC trainers and a panel of subject matter experts from the industry, to ensure relevant sectoral input. Work to review module 4, Role of the Professional Driver in the Transport Industry, is due to commence later this year.

In 2024, the RSA introduced the option for drivers with a valid ADR qualification, for transportation of dangerous goods, to apply for a credit in respect of module 2 and this has been well received.

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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233. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the case of a HGV driver who comes to Ireland from South Africa on a work permit, the reason that their drivers licence must be validated twice by the same agencies; considering the licence is first validated during the work permit application process and approval for said work permit is contingent on positive approval; and considering that the same licence then must be validated again after the worker has arrived in Ireland so that they may secure an Irish driving licence; if this level of bureaucracy is necessary during the recruitment process of key workers during a labour shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13171/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that verification of a licence is not sought by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), where it was previously verified within six months of the driving licence exchange application as part of a work permit application.

I have been informed by the Road Safety Authority that applications for exchanges of South African driving licences are processed in a timely manner where a valid application is received.

There are various reasons for the time taken in processing licence exchange applications. For example, the driver may need to submit outstanding information, such as a medical or eyesight report, or the physical driving licence itself in the case of an online application. The most common reason for delays is where the NDLS is awaiting verification of the driving licence from the issuing driving licence authority. At times a response is received very quickly but sometimes there can be considerable delays.

Vigilance is needed when processing a foreign licence for exchange, to ensure a fraudulent document has not been submitted and to ensure a driving test was passed in the country in which the licence was obtained. Road safety and keeping Irish roads safe for all road users remain the priorities in this matter.