asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will make a statement on the changes, if any, which are taking place with regard to conditions laid down by his Department in relation to hauliers, outlining the present criteria for allocations of licences; whether letters of confidence are part of those criteria; if he will give a definition of these letters; and the circumstances in which they are appropriate.
Written Answers. - Haulage Licences.
52.
In accordance with the Road Transport Act, 1986, carriers licences will be granted from 30 September next to all applicants who satisfy the three EC requirements of good repute, appropriate financial standing and professional competence.
The European Communities (Merchandise Road Transport) Regulations, 1977, lay down the criteria by which fulfilment of these requirements may be determined. The term "letters of confidence" does not constitute part of these criteria.