Vol. 466 No. 8
20 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to concerns in relation to the roadworthiness of imported used vehicles into Ireland; if so, the concerns that have been brought to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9277/96]
32 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for the Environment the current position pertaining to proposals for the EU to introduce MOT testing for private motor vehicles; the national position pertaining to this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8089/96]
68 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment the progress, if any, made regarding the introduction of the EU Directive on MOT. [9325/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 32 and 68 together.
EC Council Directive 91/328 of 21 June 1991 requires those member states, including Ireland, which do not already have a system of periodic roadworthiness testing of cars to have such a system in operation by 1998. This system would apply to cars over four years old, including imported used cars. Pending approval by the Government of specific proposals in the matter, I am not in a position to say what the detailed arrangements for testing will be.
While concerns have been expressed that defective used cars are being imported into Ireland, there is no evidence available to me or my Department that this is widespread. Commercial suppliers of motor vehicles, whether new or used, are obliged under specific road traffic regulations to ensure that such vehicles comply with the requirements relating to construction, equipment and lighting. Enforcement of these and other road traffic regulations relating to motor vehicles generally is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
