Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 30 Sep 2003

Vol. 571 No. 1

Written Answers. - EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

1073 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the action he intends to take to implement the EU Directive on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles which came into force on 10 September 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20863/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I understand that the directive came into force on 10 September 2003 and requires member states to put implementation arrangements in place by September 2006. The directive will require EU professional drivers to have followed a programme of professional driver training. The training will be compulsory for all persons seeking to become professional drivers and will comprise of training for an initial qualification followed by periodic refresher training equivalent to one day training per annum.

The directive lays down criteria for the approval and control of training bodies and organisations who will provide the training courses. While my Department currently has no remit in relation to vocational training it will be necessary to examine options for implementing the provisions of the directive in line with those criteria.