Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is where the differentiation is in this regard, and what the Parliament is actually pushing but it all has implications for the COM. Mr. Kiersey can again correct me if I am wrong but the change will have considerable implications for the transport of bulky goods such as those connected with agriculture and forestry, as outlined by my colleague, Deputy Healy-Rae. Does that not have major implications for the live export of cattle from this country, in particular to the UK? We already have a significant problem in the UK with the Common Market in terms of live cattle because of the difficulty of killing them in the UK. If a transportation restriction is put on top of that, will it not compound the problem with the Common Market in terms of live exports of cattle?

I accept the witnesses do not want to get into detail on the height restriction of 4.65 m but I wish to ask a specific question about it. The restriction has implications for the entire haulage industry, in particular for agriculture in terms of the transport of hay and straw because when one puts a third row of bales on a truck it will be over the threshold. One must reduce the capacity of the vehicle by one third. I presume what a lot of hauliers will consider is attaching a trailer to make up the difference. Will that not have implications if what is being proposed is then replicated or transcribed into regulations in this country in the future? Do we not have to examine the industry not just from the perspective of the overall industry but the implications it has for particular sectors?

You will be aware, Chairman, of McHale’s in County Mayo. Their baler produces a bale that is approximately 6 in. bigger than the standard 4 ft. bale. That makes financial sense as it reduces the amount of plastic that must be used on the bales. There are implications for the transport of such bales. The producers of bales in the southern part of the country will not buy or use McHale balers because of the difficulty in transporting them. That has implications for manufacturing jobs in this country. Mr. Kiersey gave an example earlier. There are unintended consequences of decisions made in the transport sector that have implications on the viability of agriculture in terms of live exports but also for manufacturing jobs in the west if such a measure is implemented, enforced and has an impact on the day-to-day work of agriculture in particular.

With regard to the use of the tachograph, there is a derogation in agriculture for the transport of animals from marts. Would that get around the height restriction difficulties in some sectors in the transport of hay, silage and straw but also regarding the live export of animals? Is that a potential solution in respect of this issue-----