asked the Minister for Labour the present situation regarding the introduction of the tachograph in Ireland.
Questions—Ceisteanna. Oral Answers. - Tachograph Introduction.
34.
As I announced recently, the European Commission, which in June issued a reasoned opinion giving Ireland two months to comply with the Tachograph Regulation, have now decided to suspend the infraction procedure subject to our implementing the regulation on a phased basis up to the beginning of 1981. The programme which I put before the Commission was that with effect from 1 March 1979 tachographs should be installed on newly registered transport vehicles over two-and-a-half tons unladen weight subject to certain exceptions. Over the period until 31 December 1980, tachographs should be installed on a phased basis on existing vehicles. The use of the tachograph will be required from 1 January 1981.
In accepting the programme submitted, the Commission have asked that certain matters be considered, including installation and use of tachographs on some categories of vehicles at earlier dates than proposed. I am having these points examined and discussions with representatives of employer bodies and the trade unions will be involved.
I will shortly be making regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972, providing for the phasing-in arrangements for the tachograph.
Have these arrangements the agreement of the trade unions?
Yes. Consultations were held at all stages and their implementation will now follow.