asked the Minister for Transport when the EEC regulations will be enforced in Ireland requiring drivers of haulage vehicles to hold the appropriate road freight certificates.
Written Answers. - EEC Haulage Vehicle Regulations.
444.
Under the European Communities (Merchandise Road Transport) Regulations 1977, which give effect in this country to Council Directive No. 74/561/EEC on access to the haulage occupation, persons or firms carrying on merchandise road transport businesses must (subject to certain exemptions) hold a road freight certificate as from I January 1978.
The road freight certificate is proof that the holder complies with the provisions of the regulations in relation to good repute, financial standing and professional competence or has been exempted from some or all of these requirements by reason of being in the business before specified dates. The regulations apply to persons or undertakings operating merchandise road transport business (i.e. the owners of such business) and not to the drivers of the vehicles engaged therein.
The road freight certificate does not confer any right on the holder to engage in the type of haulage for which a merchandise licence is required unless he is also the holder of a merchandise licence authorising such carriage.
The enforcement of transport legislation comes within the responsibility of the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána.