William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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264. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to make provision for commercial testing for bus drivers as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34015/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that the Road Safety Authority has statutory responsibility for the driver testing and licensing.

I understand that the Deputy's enquiry relates to the driver certificate of professional competence (CPC). To drive a truck or bus professionally in Ireland and elsewhere in the EU, a person with C or D categories on their licence (trucks and buses) must have a valid CPC.

The driver CPC process is based on European Union Directive 2022/2561 on the initial qualifications and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) (No. 2) Regulations 2008 (SI 359 of 2008), as amended.

Gaining a driver CPC qualification involves passing 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 module consists of 7 hours periodic training and drivers are required to do 7 hours of periodic training every year, adding up to 35 hours (five modules) over the five years. If the driver is maintaining both a bus and a truck CPC, they must complete 42 hours of training over each five year period.

I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.