Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too welcome both groups to the committee. I will be forgiven for singling out Mr. Ward, as it is a long time since he travelled the roads to west Cork and Castletownbere, in particular. It is good to see him again.

I fully support the objectives of the Irish Veteran Vintage Car Club and the Vintage Veteran Trucks Association in what they are trying to do. It would be unfair not to tease out some of the issues. We have a remit in respect of road safety.

I address this question to Mr. Alan Doyle. Is there a method of establishing that when a vintage truck is put on the road, the vehicle is safe? Who will certify or stand over the roadworthiness of a vintage truck, if it is to appear on the road? I think it is very important to put on record that road safety is an important element of what these groups are trying to achieve.

Could Mr. Ward set the context of the legislation in other countries that allows exemptions for vintage vehicles? That information would be helpful when we are discussing the issue with the Department. The Road Safety Authority wrote offering a review of the legislation in 2015. Why do they think that is too far down the road? Why would they prefer the Oireachtas to introduce a measure before 2015?