asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been directed to the report of a recent prosecution at Sligo involving a driver of a public service vehicle the property of Córas Iompair Eireann who was alleged to have been guilty of negligence in the management of the vehicle; whether he is aware that it was proven in court that the man concerned was on duty from 7.30 p.m. until 5.30 a.m. with a break of an hour during the night for the purpose of taking a meal; and whether in the circumstances he will have an investigation held into the conditions of service of such employees and make a statement on the matter in view of public anxiety about it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Conditions of Service of C.I.E. Drivers.
Limitations on periods of continuous driving are contained in Section 169 of the Road Traffic Act, 1933. On the facts that have been reported to me, there does not appear to have been a breach of these provisions in the case to which the Deputy refers.
Section 169 of the Act provides machinery whereby any person representative of employers concerned, or employees similarly affected, may apply to the Minister for Industry and Commerce for an Order varying any prescribed period of continuous driving. In reaching a decision on any such application the Minister has the benefit of the advice of the Road Traffic Advisory Board, which include representatives of employers and employees engaged in both public and private transport.