asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the failure of the Council of Ministers to sanction the development of an EEC Common Transport Policy; if he is aware that the lack of such a policy is depriving Ireland of substantial European moneys to develop our transport networks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Common Transport Policy.
18.
The body of Community legislation now existing in the transport sphere represents significant progress towards the realisation of a common transport policy within the European Community.
Despite the enormous differences in the social, economic and geographical circumstances of the member states the Council of Ministers has taken some 100 decisions in the area of transport. There are many more proposals under consideration and, at their December 1981 meeting, the Council of Ministers approved a list of priority subjects for the period to the end of 1983.
Ireland has maintained a positive attitude towards the development of a common transport policy for the Community.
We have, however, favoured a step by step rather than a global approach in this regard because we have long recognised that the range of divergent interests of member states makes any other approach unrealistic.
I am not aware that the position regarding the development of a common transport policy is depriving Ireland of moneys to develop our transport networks.