Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
136. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to staffing and hiring issues affecting the current operation of, and the planned extension of, public bus services in the Cork metropolitan area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41101/23]
View answerAs 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 staff recruitment.
I understand that many operators in the transport sector are experiencing difficulties with staffing difficulties both as a result of COVID-19 and also difficulties in recruiting new drivers. These issues are found across all types of operators both public and private.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has informed me that they are working with operators to try and mitigate the impacts through recruitment campaigns in recent months with significant numbers of additional drivers expected once required training and tests are completed and licenses issued by the RSA. In addition the NTA are engaging with the RSA to try and expediate the testing and licence process for new bus drivers.
