Decisions on the revocation of licenses is akin to the NDLS exercising quasi-judicial powers
The Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) is calling for immediate intervention to address the revocation of European driving licences for professional bus and coach drivers operating in Ireland. Recent decisions by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), acting under the instruction of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), has rendered some EU-issued licences null and void, leaving drivers unable to continue their employment.
This development risks causing widespread disruption to essential services such as school transport and scheduled bus routes, at a time when the sector is already grappling with staffing shortages. Many international drivers and their families, who depend on these positions, now face uncertainty over their future.
The NDLS has stated that it is unable to reverse these decisions and this action appears to place Ireland in non-compliance with EU regulations, which uphold the mutual recognition of licences across member states.
The CTTC believes that the decisions being made are being done so in a quasi-judicial manner by making decisions that have such a profound impact on livelihoods and essential public services. To mitigate the damage caused by this approach, CTTC is calling for the introduction of an amnesty for all European bus and coach driver licences.
CTTC Chairperson William Martin commented: “The revocation of bus and coach drivers licences not only contravenes the spirit of EU directives but also jeopardises vital transport services and the livelihoods of drivers and their families. An immediate amnesty is the only way to restore fairness and ensure the continuity of our transport system.
The CTTC urges the Department of Transport, the RSA and the NDLS to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to resolve this issue swiftly and ensure Ireland continues to comply with EU standards while safeguarding public services and employment.”