I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Darragh O'Brien.

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

Under the directive, transposed via the 2008 regulation, to drive a truck or bus professionally in the EU, drivers must have a valid CPC qualification. This involves passing four exams, a theory test, a case study, a driving test and a walk around. This qualification is maintained by completing CPC periodic training of 35 hours in each five-year training cycle. Each module consists of seven hours of periodic training and drivers must do seven hours of periodic training every year, adding up to 35 hours and five modules over the five years. Drivers with both a bus and truck CPC must complete 42 hours of training over each five-year period. The duration of training is defined in the directive and the training is obligatory for professional drivers in the EU.

Annex 1 of the directive outlines the minimum CPC training requirements. It establishes the knowledge to be taken into account by member states when establishing the driver’s initial qualification, and periodic training must include at least the subjects specified in the directive. Trainee drivers must reach the level of knowledge and practical competence necessary to professionally drive, in all safety, vehicles of the relevant driving licence category.

In Ireland, training modules are developed by the RSA in line with the directive. The RSA reviews CPC modules and is responsible for selecting the content in each module, based on the objectives outlined in the directive. The RSA works with CPC trainers and a panel of subject matter experts from the industry to ensure relevant input into module content. The RSA recently completed a review of Module 1: Control of Vehicle and Eco Driving Techniques, which is due to be issued to all CPC training providers shortly. The next module to be reviewed is Module 3: Health and Safety for the Professional Driver. Work on this will start as soon as module 1 has issued.

Following the RSA-CPC survey, some drivers expressed an interest in online training. However, the directive makes provision for only a small portion of the syllabus to be conducted online, so drivers could only do part of a module online and would have to complete it in person. Accordingly, the RSA has decided not to pursue this option at this time.

In keeping with the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 action to review the accessibility of driver CPC, the RSA has introduced a pilot programme for drivers with a valid ADR dangerous goods certificate. Qualified drivers can apply for an exemption from CPC module 2 provided their ADR certificate is valid on the expiry date of their current CPC card.

I thank the Minister of State for taking this question and for his response. It is very disappointing to see that neither the Minister for Transport nor the Minister of State with responsibility for transport is here because there are serious issues around the RSA. Last month, the RSA commissioned Leeds Beckett University to carry out research on HGV driver safety. There are a number of issues with that survey, which I will highlight now. They planned to interview only 40 Irish HGV drivers, but the extraordinary thing was that they wanted a sample of 20 drivers who had experienced issues such as speeding, drink driving, phone use or careless driving. It was like they were trying to engineer a particular sample for a predetermined headline, such as 50% of HGV drivers breaking the law. It really was biased.

I have been in contact with the Irish Road Haulage Association, IRHA, which has called this out and labelled it as fundamentally flawed and inherently biased. The survey ignored real-world problems and factors such as dangerous road infrastructure, the behaviour of other road users, levels of enforcement and indeed the performance of the RSA itself. Instead it focused on the negative and it was really like they wanted a particular outcome - no doubt about that.

The sham survey, unfortunately, is not an isolated mistake by the RSA. It is a symptom of the RSA's wider failure to properly implement the EU CPC driver training directive. It is all down to the way this is being implemented. I have been provided with detailed correspondence from an experienced CPC trainer and member of the IRU expert panel in Brussels. He highlights the stark contrast with other EU member states. For example, in the Czech Republic, approved training centres have real flexibility and can deliver practical, relevant content, including first aid, emergency response, cargo security and company-specific training, even on the operator's own premises. Belgium offers 28 certified CPC courses, while the Netherlands offers 22. Drivers and operators have genuine choice and relevant training but it is not so in Ireland. There are issues with the RSA's implementation.

I again thank the Deputy for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien. The legal basis for the certificate of professional competence for professional drivers is contained in EU Directive 2022/2561 on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers. Under this directive it is a legal requirement that all new category C and D professional drivers complete and pass their driver CPC qualification and undertake periodic training.

CPC is mutually recognised across all EU member states allowing drivers to work in different EU member states without gaining additional certification. Periodic training further ensures that professional drivers remain informed of developments in road safety legislation, including in technology, regulatory obligations and best practice within the transport sector. The continued professional development model underpinning driver CPC recognises the importance of professional driver safety, requiring ongoing complex regulatory oversight. Both the duration of the training and the subjects to be covered are specified under the directive on mandatory professional drivers operating in EU member states.

The RSA is responsible for creating a curriculum in line with the directive in Ireland. The RSA undertakes periodic review of the training modules to ensure that they fully meet the requirements of the directive and represent best practice in terms of training requirements. The overarching purpose of qualification and periodic training process required by the directive is to ensure road safety and the safety of drivers. It ensures drivers can navigate adverse conditions, operate complex equipment and ensure passenger safety and cargo collection. It allows harmonisation of professional driver standards across the EU, enhancing road safety and professional mobility.

I know Deputy Nolan raised a specific point in her contribution. Obviously, it will be brought to the Minister's attention. I expect she may have already done so or will be doing it but the specific point she raised could be taken up directly with the Minister, Deputy O’Brien.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. May I come back?

No, the Deputy cannot come back. I apologise.

Okay.