Denis Naughten
Ceist:1301 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the measures he intends to take to address the issue of unlicensed hauliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16801/02]
Written Answers. - Road Haulage Industry.
The programme of action for the road haulage industry, published by my predecessor in February 2001, provides for a number of specific measures to be taken by various State agencies to improve the level of compliance with legislation across the road haulage sector.
An enforcement forum has been set up under the programme to monitor the effectiveness of the enforcement regime. The forum is chaired by my Department and comprises representatives from the Irish Road Haulage Association, the Revenue Commissioners, the Garda and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
As part of the programme, the level of enforcement checks has been stepped up significantly. There are currently ten transport officers assigned to enforcement duties in the road haulage division of my Department. These officers are actively engaged in the enforcement of licensing rules governing road haulage operators through roadside checkpoints, visits to operator premises and the investigation of allegations of illegal haulage received through the division's complaints system. The Deputy may wish to note that a confidential free phone service has been set up by my Department to facilitate the investigation of complaints concerning illegal haulage operations. The telephone number is 1800 202 735.
These enforcement measures by my Department, and those of other agencies, will significantly improve the level of compliance with licensing and other legislation governing the road haulage industry.