Vol. 477 No. 5
51 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for the Environment his views on whether the EU Directive on Vehicle Emissions under consideration by the EU Parliament as currently drafted would result in an anti-competitive monopoly in the car repair industry; and, if so, the action, if any, the Government can take to amend the directive to ensure that this would not be the case. [4995/97]
177 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment his views on the consequences of the draft Commission directive giving car manufacturers exclusive control over access codes of computers fitted in most new cars which is due to become mandatory in three years. [9040/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 177 together.
The proposed EU vehicle emissions directive includes provisions to ensure that vehicles would continue to meet stringent emission standards while in service. Proposed measures include onboard diagnostic systems which would monitor the performance of emission control components. This aspect of the proposals has raised concerns that the associated safety features would restrict in-service repairs to facilities in possession of the necessary information and tools. This is a legitimate concern which is being addressed during the Council's ongoing detailed examination of the draft directive.
