Vol. 543 No. 5
203 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the measures she is taking to eradicate widespread breaches of the law in relation to road haulage particularly in the construction industry and to ensure that all existing operators are in possession of valid road haulage licences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27780/01]
My Department is responsible for the enforcement of the law in relation to road haulage licensing and tachograph legislation as it applies to road haulage vehicles and drivers. The programme of action for the road haulage industry, published by me in February last, provides for a number of specific measures by various State agencies to improve the level of compliance with legislation across the road haulage sector. An enforcement forum has been set up under the programme to monitor the effectiveness of the enforcement regime. The forum is chaired by my Department and comprises representatives from the Irish Road Haulage Association, the Revenue Commissioners, the Gardai, the Department of Justice and Law Reform, and the Department of Environment and Local Government.
As part of the programme, the level of enforcement checks has been stepped up significantly and a targeted blitz of certain areas and industries, including the concrete and construction industries, is under way. In addition, arrangements are being made to increase the number of enforcement officers and support staff in my Department by 50%. I believe these enforcement measures by my Department, and those of other agencies will significantly improve the level of compliance with licensing, tachograph and other legislation governing the road haulage industry.
Question No. 204 answered with Question No. 190.
