Vol. 480 No. 7
55 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will continue the practice of regular intensive examination of tachographs on a nationwide basis to ensure compliance with the safety legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14933/97]
My Department's inspectorate of nine transport officers are engaged full time on the detection and prosecution of breaches of the tachograph regulations and other offences under the Road Transport Acts.
I am aware of the effectiveness of intensive nationwide roadside checks as an enforcement measure and these will continue in the future. I can assure the Deputy that where contraventions of the regulations are detected, prosecutions are initiated.
Over the past few months, my Department has intensified its activities and has become involved in cross-Border checkpoint operations with its counterparts in the Department of the Environment, Northern Ireland.
In addition, my Department's inspectors have also been actively involved in operation lifesaver which is an intensive Garda action plan encompassing concentrated Garda checkpoints and speed checks.
