Vol. 489 No. 5
7 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will report on the level of non-compliance with tachograph regulations identified in the years 1995, 1996, 1997; if it is the intention to organise a concentrated period of checks to impress on drivers and transport operators that they must comply with the law in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8389/98]
The statistics relating to tachograph offences detected by the transport officers of my Department are as follows: 1995 — 3,860; 1996 — 5,922; 1997 — 4,613.
I am aware of the effectiveness of intensive nationwide roadside checks as an enforcement measure and these will continue in the future. Where contraventions of the regulations are detected, prosecutions are initiated.
In addition to the normal roadside checks and visits to premises, my Department's transport officers have also been actively involved in the Garda Síochána's Operation Lifesaver and have participated in cross-Border checkpoint operations with the Northern Ireland enforcement authorities.
I thank the Minister of State for his reply. As somebody who is very familiar with transport issues, does the Minister of State have a solution to the out-of-State operators who thumb their noses at the authorities within the Twenty-Six Counties and drive at any speed they like, for as often and as long as they like, and appear to be above the law?
Is the Minister aware that one of the reasons for frequent tachograph violations is that there is only one recognised secure truck stop where drivers can take rest here? In view of that, is the Minister prepared to recommend to his colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, that he should require an adequate number of truck stops to be provided in every principal national route design?
With regard to Deputy Stagg's question, it is a fact that for years these people have been untouchable as far as the law is concerned. However, in the Road Transport Bill, which will be circulated later this year, we are attempting to deal with this issue and bring foreign drivers within the law. A proposal from the Attorney General's office to that effect came to hand recently. I will be able to advise the Deputy and the House further at a later stage.
I will look into the matter raised by Deputy Dukes and take it up with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.
