asked the Minister for Labour if EEC transport legislation renders it necessary for special training to be given to Irish drivers; and, if so, the training which has been arranged by his Department.
Written Answers. - EEC Transport Legislation.
45.
: A Council directive of 16 December 1976, has laid down certain minimum levels of training for some drivers of goods and passenger vehicles. The directive is due to be implemented before the end of this year.
In practice this directive will require certification and testing of a comparatively small number of drivers of goods and passenger vehicles. Its application to drivers of heavy goods vehicles is confined to those between 18 and 21 years of age while the bulk of the drivers of Irish passenger vehicles are likewise outside its scope.
AnCo in their heavy goods vehicle driving courses observe the minimum levels of training set out in the directive. The position relating to other training organisations is being examined.