Vol. 511 No. 6
62 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the new regulations on the transport of dangerous goods by road; when they will commence; and if additional inspectors have been appointed to the Health and Safety Authority to enforce the new regulations. [25051/99]
110 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the new regulations on the transport of dangerous goods by road; when they will commence; if additional inspectors have been appointed to the Health and Safety Authority to enforce the new regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25097/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 110 together.
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Act, 1998, which was sponsored by the Minister for Public Enterprise, was signed into law by the President on 2 December 1998. Detailed regulations, which are necessary to give operational effect to the provisions of the Act, are currently being prepared by the Health and Safety Authority in co-operation with this Department and in consultation with all relevant and interested parties. The regulations will give effect to four EU Directives – 94/55/EC 95/50/EC, 96/86/EC and 99/47/EC – applying the international ADR arrangements to national transport.
The regulations are complex and involve roles and responsibilities for a number of Departments and other public bodies to ensure their adequate implementation and enforcement. The preparatory work is well advanced and I hope the have the regulations finalised within the next few months. As soon as the regulations are finalised, the necessary order to bring the Act into operation will be made. On the question of resources, I would like to assure the Deputy that I am continuing to work to ensure that the Health and Safety Authority has sufficient resources to enable it to carry out its extended statutory functions.
