Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
227. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department is implementing and considering to support small transport companies who employ and train young people, given that many small operators are currently paying the full cost of training themselves while lengthy licensing processes significantly delay new drivers entering the workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11905/26]
View answerAs Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I am fully aware that Ireland’s domestic and international haulage and road freight sector is an integral part of the economy, is a key employer and makes a significant economic contribution. There is however a long-standing labour shortage and skills gap in the industry, with a particularly acute shortage of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers.
The Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group (LSCSG) was established in 2019 to work with the sector to address these challenges. Additionally, the Government's Road Haulage Strategy (RHS) 2022-2031 provides a framework to further support the sector to address some of the challenges associated with skills development and decarbonisation. The RHS also established the Road Freight Forum to monitor the implementation of the RHS. Both forums have formalised engagement between the relevant Government Departments, agencies, industry and academia representatives to co-ordinate the delivery of and to collaborate on solutions aimed at alleviating the driver shortage.
While acknowledging the very real challenges facing the sector, robust driver licencing requirements are fundamental in assuring the safety not only of professional drivers but all road users. Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. In order to drive a truck or bus professionally throughout the EU, drivers must have a valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification which involves passing four exams (the theory test, case study, driving test and walkaround).
The driver certificate of professional competence 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. My Department is proactively engaging with the RSA in relation to the overall driver licence process to consider whether there are opportunities to speed up the process without compromising on safety.
To support the industry and address the skills gap, many supports have been put in place in recent years. This includes the Transport, Operations and Commercial Driving Apprenticeship programme that provides an apprenticeship route into the commercial driving and logistics sector. The programme helps meets the needs of industry and addresses the skills that are required in new, as well as existing commercial drivers. As a significant part of the apprentices’ formation will take place with the employer, the role of the employer is crucial to the excellence of the graduate of an apprenticeship programme. Employers are encouraged to participate in this programme.
The Professional HGV Training Programme is a course designed to offer a pathway for new entrants into the profession of commercial driving and is fully funded by the SOLAS Traineeship Scheme. It is offered by Education & Training Boards (ETBs) across the country.
The Smart Driving (Eco-Driving) Programme is a SOLAS-funded course for HGV drivers that teaches fuel-efficient driving techniques, safety practices, and driver wellbeing. It aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, with potential savings of up to €4,000 per vehicle annually. Delivery through Education & Training Boards (ETBs), it’s part of the “Skills to Advance” initiative for upskilling in transport.
