asked the Minister for Transport if he has requested financial assistance from the EEC to provide instruction courses for truck owners and their staffs who need to obtain certificates of competency to comply with EEC regulations.
Written Answers. - Road Haulage Regulations.
35.
I take it the Deputy is referring to Council Directive 74/561/EEC and the European Communities (Merchandise Road Transport) Regulations, 1977, which incorporates the directive in domestic legislation.
Under the provisions of the directive and regulations persons or undertakings setting up as road haulage operators must prove to be of good repute, financial standing and professional competence in addition to satisfying domestic licensing requirements before they may engage in the occupation of road haulage operator. Courses in preparation for examinations in professional competence in road haulage operations are being provided by most of the regional technical colleges throughout the country, the Limerick Technical College and the College of Commerce, Rathmines.
The directive does not provide for financial assistance for the provision of such courses nor would such assistance be available under the European Social Fund.