asked the Minister for Labour if his Department has as yet had detailed consultation with the trade union and employer organisations concerning the decision of the EEC to give Ireland three years to implement comprehensive regulations concerning the maximum hours of driving, minimum ages and qualifications for road transport crews; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Transport Regulations.
16.
The transitional period of three years for implementing these EEC internal road transport regulations has not yet been the subject of detailed consultation between my Department and the trade union and employer interests concerned.
As is stated in paragraph 311 of the White Paper, the transition period was sought to avoid a rapid increase in transport costs which would be an undue burden on us during the early years of membership of the EEC. Representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions who met the negotiating team on the 25th June, 1971, were informed on these lines.
All necessary consultations will be held in due course with the interests concerned, including the trade unions.