asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that at least one Irish road haulage vehicle laden with cargo which crossed to France by sea ferry was refused permission to land because its road worthiness did not come up to the standards required by the EEC; and if he will ensure that all steps as may be necessary will now be taken to bring all Irish road haulage vehicles, particularly those which may be used in international trade, up to the standards required in EEC countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Haulage Vehicles.
99.
I am not so aware. Vehicle regulations made under the Road Traffic Act, 1961, prescribe standards of roadworthiness for vehicles in use on our roads. Enforcement of the regulations is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
Our vehicle regulations were framed to conform with those of other European countries and to take account of the terms of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, 1949, to which we have acceded. The convention provides for uniform conditions under which vehicles may circulate internationally irrespective of any specific requirements imposed on member states of the EEC. If vehicles in use in this country comply with the roadworthiness requirements of our vehicle regulations they should have no difficulty as regards circulation in European countries including those of the EEC.
It is intended as far as is practicable to harmonise this country's vehicle regulations with any directives which may be issued by the EEC from time to time in the matter.