asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the facts of a case (details supplied) in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, he can make arrangements for the issuing of a provisional haulage licence to the persons concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Provisional Haulage Licence.
831.
With a few exceptions, which apply in strictly limited cases, persons engaged in the carriage of road freight for reward are required to hold road freight certificates under the European Communities (Merchandise Road Transport) Regulations, 1977 and 1981, which give effect to EEC Council directive No. 74/561 on admission to the occupation of road haulage operator. Interested persons in the first instance need to be holders of or entitled to certificates of competence in the haulage business before applying for road freight certificates.
In the case mentioned by the Deputy the person concerned was stated to be presenting himself for an examination conducted by the Chartered Institute of Transport, success in which would entitle him to a certificate of competence. Pending the result of that examination, which is expected early in July, I am unable to consider an application for a road freight certificate. Unfortunately there is no provision in the Community Instrument and Implementing Regulations for grant to the person concerned of a provisional road freight certificate nor, according to the information available to me, for his securing a certificate of competence other than by examination test. The only possibility under the regulations for meeting the competence requirement is on the basis of the person concerned employing someone satisfying the competence and other relevant requirements of the regulations, to continuously and effectively manage his road transport business.