asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will make a statement on the proceedings and outcome of the ECMT meeting of Transport Ministers which was held from 31 May to 2 June 1978.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Transport Ministers Meeting .
12.
(Dublin South-Central): I attended the 47th Session of the Council of Ministers of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) which was held in Brussels.
The council discussed a wide range of topics in the transport sphere including questions related to international road transport and road safety. It approved a report concerning new road traffic signs, and adopted resolutions related to better driver training and the wearing of seat belts.
Of particular interest to Ireland was the decision of the council to increase by 20 per cent with effect from 1 January 1979 the number of multilateral licences for international transport of goods by road. These licences enable hauliers to carry for reward throughout all the member states of the ECMT with the exception of Finland. Since the increase amounts to only three additional licences for Ireland, I pressed the council to introduce some compensating allocation of licences which would reflect Ireland's disadvantaged position as an island separated from the European mainland. This view was supported by some other member states and I obtained from the council an undertaking that the basis of allocation of these licences between member states will now be examined by the ECMT.
: Would the Minister indicate whether or not aviation was a subject for discussion?
(Dublin South-Central): No.