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EU Directives.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Questions (800)

Denis Naughten

Question:

981 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce EU Directive 2003/97/EC as and from 1 January 2005 and take steps to ensure that all existing heavy good vehicles retrofit this equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21609/04]

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Written answers

Member states are required to transpose EU Directive 2003/97/EC into their national law by 23 January 2005 and it is my intention to provide for this in regulations to be made by the end of the year. The directive, which replaces EU Directive 71/127/EEC, as amended, harmonises the rules relating to the type-approval of devices for indirect vision, including mirrors and cameras-monitors, on motor vehicles and vehicles equipped with these devices. The directive provides that from 26 January 2005 member states may not prohibit the sale, registration or entry into service of a vehicle that meets the requirements laid down in the directive. New heavy goods vehicles and buses entering into service from 26 January 2007 will be required to meet the standards in the directive.

While the directive applies to new vehicles only, the feasibility of applying its standards to vehicles currently in service is being examined by my Department. Subject to any practical engineering constraints, it is my intention to require retrofitting of the necessary mirrors and/or cameras and monitors to existing vehicles of the types covered by the directive.

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