Vol. 443 No. 7
83 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will give details of the type approval directive relating to mechanical coupling devices for motor vehicles and trailers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The European Union adopted a directive relating to mechanical coupling devices for motor vehicles and trailers on 30 May, 1994. The text of the directive is expected to be published shortly in the Official Journal of the European Union and becomes effective, following transposition into national law, 18 months after adoption. It is a motor vehicle "type approval" directive extending the existing system to cover mechanical coupling devices. The purpose of the directive is to improve safety and to eliminate technical barriers to trade throughout the European Union. At present, there are not any specific Irish regulations covering mechanical coupling devices for motor vehicles and trailers.
