This Driver Employment Contract is essential for any Irish company employing professional drivers, whether for goods transportation or passenger services. The document is designed to comply with Irish employment law, including the Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994-2014 and the Road Transport Act 2011, as well as relevant EU regulations. It should be used when hiring any professional driver, establishing clear terms regarding driving responsibilities, working hours, rest periods, vehicle maintenance, and safety protocols. The contract includes mandatory employment terms while addressing industry-specific requirements such as tachograph regulations, driver certification requirements, and vehicle safety standards. This template is particularly important given the heavily regulated nature of the transport sector and the need to ensure both employer and employee understand their rights and obligations under Irish law.

1. Parties: Identification of the employer company and the driver employee with full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Brief context of the employment relationship and purpose of the agreement

3. Definitions: Definitions of key terms used throughout the contract

4. Term of Employment: Start date, probationary period, and contract duration (fixed-term or permanent)

5. Role and Duties: Driver's position, main responsibilities, and reporting structure

6. Place of Work: Primary workplace location and travel requirements

7. Working Hours and Rest Periods: Standard working hours, rest breaks, and compliance with driving time regulations

8. Remuneration: Base salary, payment intervals, overtime rates, and any performance-related pay

9. Benefits: Standard benefits package including insurance, pension, and other entitlements

10. Leave Entitlements: Annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and other statutory leave rights

11. Vehicle and Equipment: Provisions regarding company vehicles, maintenance responsibilities, and equipment usage

12. Health and Safety: Health and safety obligations and compliance with transport regulations

13. Confidentiality: Protection of company confidential information and trade secrets

14. Data Protection: Handling of personal data and consent for monitoring systems

15. Termination: Notice periods and grounds for termination

16. Governing Law: Confirmation that the contract is governed by Irish law