Mr. John Nolan:

Correct. It was to deal with the herd of eastern European hauliers swamping out the German and French transport industries. This is a side-effect of it. The combined transport directive is going through the EU at present. We are looking for an easement in this to facilitate what we are trying to achieve. We have created the island nations group and it comprises Ireland, Cyprus and Malta. If Deputy Ó Murchú speaks to a haulier from any of these territories he will hear they have the same problems and that the same rules are penalising transport to and from their countries. The EU recognises this but it is an injustice of the Common Market. The EU knows it is an inconvenience but it is slow about providing exceptions. We are looking for exceptions for island nations.