asked the Minister for Labour when it is proposed to introduce the necessary legislation to ensure installation of tachographs in Irish transport vehicles, the reasons for the delay to date, if his attention has been drawn to the severe difficulties being experienced by some companies as a result of this delay and if he will make a comprehensive statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tachographs Installation .
233.
: Legislation to provide for installation of tachographs in Irish transport vehicles was enacted in 1979. The matter is dealt with in the European Communities (Road Transport) (Recording Equipment) Regulations, 1979 (S.I. No. 214 of 1979) which came into effect on 25 June 1979.
The regulations provide for a phasing-in arrangement for installation of tachographs in the period up to the end of 1980 in all vehicles which come within the scope of the relevant EEC Regulations and for the operation of tachographs on such vehicles as from 1 January 1981.
The Commission of the European Communities have recently accepted an arrangement under which tachographs are to be installed in transport vehicles in the United Kingdom in the period up to the end of 1981 and for the operation of tachographs on such vehicles as from 31 December 1981. Furthermore, certain factors have delayed the programme for installation of tachographs in Irish vehicles. I have been in touch with the Commission about a possible revision of the programme for installation of tachographs in Irish vehicles. I propose to make an announcement in the matter when my consultations with the Commission are completed.