Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 May 2018
150. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the outcome of discussions to date he has had with his British counterpart on legislation in the British Parliament regarding the certification of hauliers' licences and vehicles and its implications for the haulage industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19256/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe UK Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Bill is designed to put in place a system of UK international road transport permits for UK operators that will then provide the option of mutual recognition between EU road transport permits (Community Licences) and UK road transport permits and facilitate continued liberalised access for commercial haulage – such a provision will be vital if the final EU/UK deal requires a permit system, which will not be clear until negotiations have reached final agreement. The Bill was passed in the House of Lords on 24 April 2018 and has been sent to the House of Commons. My Department continues to monitor developments in relation to the Bill as it progresses through the legislative process.
The Bill also provides for the establishment of a trailer registration scheme in line with the 1968 Vienna Convention, to ensure that UK operators driving on the continent can comply with the requirements of those EU countries which require the registration of all trailers travelling on their roads. As Ireland already registers trailers this is not an issue for us.
I welcome the Bill as a constructive contingency measure in preparation for Brexit. The ongoing focus of the Government in Brexit negotiations is to protect Ireland’s interests and to advance our priorities. In the context of the haulage sector it is vital to minimise the impact of Brexit by avoiding any new regulatory burden for hauliers travelling to or transiting the UK. I can assure you that I and other Government Ministers will continue to work with our EU counterparts, both in EU capitals and within the EU institutions, to protect the interests of the Irish haulage sector.
