Vol. 514 No. 5
97 Mr. Yates asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government's position in relation to the EU directive on bus and coaches (COM (97) 0276); if the Government's position supports mandatory access provisions for class 1 buses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4687/00]
Ireland broadly supports the proposal by the EU Commission for a directive on buses and coaches which is designed to introduce harmonised requirements throughout the community for new vehicles coming onto the market. The detailed technical provisions contained in the proposal, including pro visions on accessibility for persons with reduced mobility, are still being examined at EU council working group level. Ireland is sympathetic to the adoption of mandatory accessibility provisions for class I buses and discussions on this issue are continuing at working group level.
