Enda Kenny
Ceist:85 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the recent work of the Task Force on Road Haulage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11472/03]
Other Questions. - Road Haulage Industry.
In response to fuel cost difficulties and other significant challenges facing the haulage sector in autumn 2000, a task force was established by the Taoiseach to respond to the problems of the industry. The task force completed its work with the production of a "Programme of Action for the Road Haulage Industry". This document was published by the Department of Public Enterprise in February 2001.
To ensure implementation of the programme, a steering group chaired by my Department, with representatives from the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), the Revenue Commissioners, the Garda, and other Departments and agencies attending as appropriate, is in place. The steering group also provides an opportunity to members to raise and discuss any issues of relevance to the road haulage industry.
Most recently, the work of the group has been focusing specifically on the problem of illegal haulage. It is estimated that about 15% of haulage vehicles on the road are operating illegally. In addressing this problem, an enforcement forum, set up by the group, which comprises Garda, Customs and Excise and Department of Transport enforcement representatives, meets in tandem with the steering group. It continues to monitor the effectiveness of the enforcement regime and to propose improvements in the system of roadside checkpoints and premises inspections.
A structured system for submitting information on instances of illegal haulage to my Department is in operation and has recently been enhanced by the introduction of a freephone service for reporting complaints against illegal operators. All information received is investigated by my Departments transport officers.
Additional information.The increased co-operation and intelligence sharing between my Department, the IRHA, Garda and other enforcement agencies has resulted in increased levels of detection and prosecution of illegal operators. Just as important, it has facilitated the identification and prosecution of those companies who are illegally employing them.
The priority now is to build on enforcement initiatives to date by introducing a system of on-the-spot fines for illegal haulage offences that will target both illegal operators and those that employ them. A further initiative due to come into effect shortly is the issue of a clearly identifiable haulage license disc in respect of all authorised vehicles. Such a system of discs displayed on authorised vehicles will contribute to more effective enforcement.
Working together in partnership through the programme of action steering group will ensure continually improved targeting and elimination of illegal haulage operations. In this way we can ensure a robust and viable industry that will contribute to the success of those involved in it, and the economy generally.
I thank the Minister for his response. This group was established because of fuel prices at the time. I come back to the issue of the Dublin Port tunnel; if the volumes transported are increased, overall costs will be reduced resulting in improved efficiencies for exporters, which means jobs. While I welcome the introduction of a freephone number, it is just like the penalty points system. We can report all these but very little enforcement takes place which leads to the huge problems with illegal haulage.
Following the proposal by the French Government to introduce taxes on non-toll roads, which will again have a huge impact on exports out of this country, will the Minister ensure this matter is brought up at the forthcoming meeting of the Council of Ministers to ensure there is no additional tax on exports from this country?
Enforcement is always an issue and 15% of haulage vehicles are estimated to be operating illegally. Every pressure will be kept up to tackle this figure and reduce it. In answer to the question about the tunnel, there is no danger to exports or imports from the height of the tunnel. Some 99.4% of all trucks can get through the tunnel and the question is whether we need the other 0.6% in the country. My judgment is that we do not.
If an independent report contradicts that, will the Minister review his decision?
Some of these trucks trundle through small towns and villages in the country. As the Deputy knows, these trucks do not have a hope in hell of getting under many railway bridges throughout the country.
There is no freight on the railways anyway, because the Minister will not allow it.
There is no point being out of step with the European Union by having super-tunnels for super-trucks. Ordinary tunnels for ordinary trucks are fine.
Why did the former Minister, Senator O'Rourke, fund the increase for the bridge on the East Wall Road to give that clearance? Will the Minister bring up the French proposal at next month's meeting of the Council of Ministers?
I will discuss that with my colleague the Minister for Finance.