Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Dec 1991

Vol. 414 No. 2

Written Answers. - Haulage Licences.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

59 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will outline (1) the number of haulage licences currently in existence, (2) the number which were withdrawn or not renewed due to lack of evidence of having paid the relevant taxes and if he will issue this list, (3) the number of prosecutions which have been taken for non-use of a third rear axle and whether the requirement of a third, fixed rear axle is preferable to the hydraulic type, (4) whether there is evidence of selective use of the third hydraulic type axle on approaching Garda checkpoints, (5) if the law in relation to rear axles is similar to those of other EC countries, (6) the number of roadside inspection centres which are in operation and the pressure which is brought to bear from large fleet owners to postpone or cancel the use of roadside centres with particular reference to those on the Naas dual carriageway and the Bray to Wexford roads and, (7) the number of exemptions/ waivers which were given by him to those liable to sit the examination for haulage licences or to those who sat and failed this examination.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mr. S. Brennan)

There are about 2,500 road freight carrier's licences on issue at any one time. Each road freight carrier's licence is valid for three years from the date of issue and it then lapses unless it is suspended or revoked before then.

A road freight carrier's licence is not renewable. An application for a new licence must be made once a licence lapses. No licences have been revoked or suspended by me due to non-payment of taxes. The Deputy will appreciate that a tax clearance certificate from the Revenue Commissioners is a pre-requisite to the grant of a road freight carrier's licence.

Incomplete applications, including those without tax clearance certificates, are not accepted by my Department and are returned, unrecorded to the applicants. In relation to parts (3), (4), (5) and (6) of the question. I have no responsibility for prosecutions for other matters arising under road traffic legislation. These are matters for the Minister for Justice and the Minister for the Environment. In relation to part (7) of the question, no exemptions/waivers have been given by me in relation to examinations leading to certificates of professional competence in road haulage operations, nor are any such exemptions/waivers provided for in the relevant legislation.