Vol. 408 No. 8
101 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the existing time-scales for the implementation of public service vehicle regulations will cause severe difficulties for many Irish operators; if he has examined the position; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The European Communities (Road Passenger Transport) Regulations, 1991 (S.I. No. 59 of 1991), which gave effect to Council Directive No. 89/438/EEC on the revised requirements for access to the occupation of road passenger transport operator, came into operation on 21 March 1991. The main purpose of this directive is to ensure uniformity in meeting the access requirements throughout EC member states. These requirements are good repute, appropriate financial standing and professional competence.
The regulations apply to all undertakings entering the occupation of road passenger transport operator from 21 March 1991. Those who held road passenger certificates before that date will also have to meet the revised requirements but they will have until 30 June 1991 to do so.
Road passenger operators who were exempted from the requirements of the previous regulations by virtue of having a main occupation other than that of road passenger transport operator will now have to meet the requirements of the new regulations because it would be discriminatory if this exemption were continued.
I understand that some persons are concerned in case they cannot meet the professional competence requirement by passing the relevant examination before 30 June 1991. In such event, the requirement can be satisfied by the designation of the holder of a certificate of competence, who is of good repute, to continuously and effectively manage the road passenger transport business.
