Vol. 258 No. 14
asked the Minister for Local Government if the EEC Council adopted on 3rd December, 1971, proposals in relation to the weight and dimension of trucks; if so, how these proposals will affect Irish law; and if he has made any representations in the matter.
110.
asked the Minister for Local Government if the EEC Council adopted proposals on 3rd December, 1971, in regard to increased safety in certain forms of transport; and, if so, how these proposals will affect existing Irish law.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 110 together.
Proposals of the nature referred to by the Deputy were not adopted at the meeting of the Council of Ministers on 3rd December, 1971.
Under the procedure established for applicant countries, I will as appropriate, make representations in so far as my functions under the Road Traffic Acts are concerned.
Were the proposals discussed at that meeting?
Yes, they were discussed. They were on the agenda but no decisions were arrived at.
111.
asked the Minister for Local Government if the Council of the EEC adopted proposals on 3rd December, 1971, in regard to the standardisation and toughening of conditions for the granting of driving licences; if these proposals will affect existing Irish practice in any respect; and if he has made any representations in regard to the matter.
Proposals of the nature referred to in the Deputy's question were not adopted by the Council of the European Economic Community on the 3rd December, 1971.
The council made Regulation No. 543/69 on the 25th March, 1969, which makes provisions relating to, inter alia, the licensing of drivers of heavy goods vehicles and large public service vehicles. These provisions are somewhat more stringent than those applying at present in this country. A three year transition period has been negotiated for the application of this regulation to this country.
Could the Minister tell me if the draft directive which was, I believe, laid before the Council of Ministers on 3rd December, 1971, related to ordinary drivers as distinct from drivers of public service vehicles and, if so, if the Minister has a view on it and if he has made any representations?
If the Deputy likes, I could send him a copy of the Press release after that meeting which would give him full information on the matter.
Thank you. I would be grateful also if the Minister could let me know at some stage his attitude towards any proposal. Does the Minister not agree that it is very important that the Minister should express his view before a decision is taken rather than to try after the event to get the Commission to agree to a derogation for Ireland?
Yes. I will try to make at the appropriate time such proposals as I feel are necessary and helpful.
