asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the overall thrust of the Single European Act will not be seriously undermined by a number of member states demanding derogations on a whole series of issues.
42.
Written Answers. - Single European Act.
15.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will be seeking any derogations under the Single European Act, 1992; and, if so, the specific areas involved.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 42 together. I take it Question No. 31 refers to derogations from Community measures pursuant to the Single European Act which itself cannot be the subject of derogation at this stage.
While it is necessary to consider each proposed measure individually, it is the general policy of the Government that recourse to derogations should be minimised, in order to promote the fullest integration of Ireland both in the Community and in the completion of the internal market, in line with the Programme for National Recovery. The Government therefore seek to ensure that Community measures will be sufficiently flexible and where necessary, adjusted, or differentiated, to fit the varying circumstances and levels of development of member states. Such an approach would avoid the need for member states, including Ireland, to seek numerous derogations.
At present Ireland is seeking derogations in only one area namely the draft directives on lorry weights and dimensions. The European Commission have proposed three directives incorporating maximum weights and dimensions for two, three and four axle lorries, buses and coaches. Ireland is seeking derogations from these draft directives in order to allow sufficient time to embark on a programme which will permit our roads and bridges to be strengthened to carry the heavier loads.
The proposed "Blueprint for Road Development" will contain a strategy for the necessary strengthening of the roads infrastructure to carry heavier lorries, together with a proposed time scale for implementation of EC limits where derogations are being sought. In this regard it would be our intention that the increased structural funds would assist in the improvement of our road infrastructure.