asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that unofficial road freight hauliers are being subsidised by Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann to transport raw material to factories to the exclusion of official road freight hauliers who are licensed by his Department and who have gone to enormous expense to comply with licensing regulations laid down by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Sugar Beet Transport.
197.
The activities of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann come within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food. He has advised that under the relevant EC Regulations contracts between Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann and growers for the purchase of sugar beet must include a clause that the company will share the transport costs for beet delivered free of charge at sugar factories. The amounts payable are agreed by both parties prior to the commencement of each campaign. However, the conclusion of arrangements for the delivery of beet is a matter for each beet grower. In circumstances where a haulier is used, the grower may conclude a freight agreement with a haulier, whereby the company are authorised to deduct freight costs from the grower's account and pay it to the haulier. While the company provide this facility they are not otherwise a party to freight agreements between growers and hauliers.
Under the Road Transport Acts, 1933-86, a person hiring a freight haulier is responsible for ensuring that the haulier concerned complies with the necessary licensing regulations. The enforcement of the Transport Acts is the responsibility of transport officers from my Department and the Garda Síochána. Any breaches detected, including haulage by unlicensed operators, are processed through the courts and appropriate penalties imposed.
I am not aware of any instances as outlined by the Deputy but if he has specific information to supply on this matter, my Department and the gardaí will initiate inquiries and institute legal proceedings as appropriate.