Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 September 2015
28. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage with the French authorities to seek compensation for Irish hauliers who suffered losses as a result of strike action in the port of Calais in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31939/15]
View answerHauliers have faced considerable difficulties and delays in Calais and Dover in recent months, due to attempts by migrants in Calais to board vehicles to the UK, which was exacerbated by industrial action at the Port of Calais over the summer. The industrial action was settled in September, but I am aware that Irish hauliers still face challenges in Calais.
I have raised the issue of the Calais situation with the UK Minister for Transport, the French Minister for Transport and the Commissioner with responsibility for transport. My colleagues, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Justice, have also been liaising with their UK, French and Commission colleagues on the wider issues of migration to the EU.
My Department has liaised with the relevant Member State authorities so that measures are in place to ensure the highest level of security for Irish drivers caught up in delays and also that appropriate measures are taken by UK and French authorities to ensure that enforcement of drivers hours regulations take account of the delay circumstances on both sides of the Channel, and that drivers are not penalised for circumstances beyond their control.
The Irish Road Safety Authority has also stated that it will take a flexible approach to enforcement of drivers' hours where they can prove that they have been delayed in Calais.
I understand that Irish hauliers' representatives are considering seeking damages from the French. This is a matter for the hauliers and my officials will keep the matter under review. I do not intend to lobby the French Government on that specific issue.
