asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many people consider that the standard of the courses being run to enable hauliers to acquire certificates of professional competency are too severe; if he will review the course; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Haulage Operator Courses.
47.
I am not aware of any undue difficulties with the standard of these courses. The subjects for which knowledge is required by haulage operators intending to engage in national and international operations are set out in the annex to the EC Directive 74/561, which is given effect in this State by the European Communities (Merchandise Road Transport) Regulations, 1988. The Chartered Institute of Transport has been designated by me to arrange the courses and conduct the examinations for certificates of competence. The course and examination is kept under continuous review by a steering committee representative of my Department, the Department of Education and the Chartered Institute for Transport with a view to ensuring that the overall objective of raising the standards of safety and professionalism is achieved.