Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 31 Mar 1999

Vol. 503 No. 1

Written Answers. - Road and Rail Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

40 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the response, if any, she has to proposed EU directives on road and rail transport with particular reference to passenger and merchandise transportation systems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9126/99]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

76 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the extent to which she has examined the implications of proposed EU directives in respect of road and rail transport; the plans, if any, she has initiated to ensure the benefit of these directives for the economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9409/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 76 together.

Two Commission proposals for directives designed to encourage the use of combined transport are currently being considered by the EU Council of Transport Ministers.

One proposal amends Directive 92/106/EC on the establishment of common rules for certain types of combined transport between member states and the other amends Directive 96/53/EC laying down, for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community, the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic.

The objective of the proposals is the increased use of combined transport as an alternative to the ever-expanding role for road transport and to extend the scope of application of tax incentive measures designed to reduce, or reimburse, taxes and-or user charges applicable to road vehicles when engaged in combined transport.

I have, and will continue, to put forward refinements which are in the best interests of Ireland to both the proposals. My main concerns are to ensure that the provision of fiscal incentives for combined transport will be at the discretion of member states rather than being made mandatory and that the implementation of the direc tive's provisions does not lead to distortions of competition.

In relation to rail, the EU Commission has proposed further liberalisation measures for European railways, in particular to enable access to railway infrastructure on a non-discriminatory basis for competing train operators. These proposals are currently under discussion at the Council of Transport Ministers.

Because it is unlikely that rail liberalisation will have any practical impact in Ireland my main concern is to ensure that the proposals do not lead to an unnecessary administrative burden for this country.

The Commission has also brought forward proposals to introduce specific working time provisions for the road transport sector. This sector was excluded from the original Council Directive, 93/104/EC of 23 November 1993 on the organisation of working time. The aim of that directive was "to guarantee the protection of workers against the adverse effects on their health and safety arising from excessive working time, insufficient rest or irregular work patterns". The stated aim of the Common Proposal for a Directive is to protect the health and safety of workers, to avoid possible distortions in competition and to improve road safety.

These latest proposals are also being discussed at Council of Transport Ministers. The Commission proposal is very ambitious and very broad in its scope and would apply to all mobile workers performing road transport activities including self-employed drivers.

At the Transport Council I will be seeking greater clarity in terms of both the exact scope and objectives of the proposal. My main concern will be that any extension of working time regulations in the road transport area achieves an appropriate balance between worker protection and the need to sustain a competitive national economy.