Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hazardous Substances.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

201 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the confusion among the transport companies which do not know whether to implement regulations under S.I. 235/1980 or those covered by the ADR Agreement in view of the fact that Ireland is the only EU country that has not adopted the ADR Agreement; the reason for the delay in doing so; when the Government intends to formally adopt the agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20143/00]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

202 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in publishing statutory instruments required to implement most provisions of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Act, 1998; when it is expected that these statutory instruments will be published and enforced; the sections of the Act which require such statutory instruments for the Act's enforcement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20144/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.

I propose to sign a set of regulations this year which will put in place the necessary infrastructure to allow Ireland to accede to the ADR agreement and implement the provisions of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Act, 1998.

It has been necessary to establish the required facilities for the approval of vehicles, tanks and packages together with the required systems for testing. The issues around the necessary structures for most of these have been resolved in co-operation with the interested Departments and agencies.

The process for Ireland's formal accession to the ADR agreement is also under way in co-operation with other Departments.

I expect the regulations should be completed by the end of the year with formal accession to the ADR agreement following soon afterward.