Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

It is important that we work with the local authorities and people in Cork on this issue.

Deputy Harrington raised the issue of fluorescent colour coding and people have raised this issue with me as they seek measures to prevent a decline in road safety. Many of those to whom I have spoken have said it would be a way to assist drivers. A tangential point on road safety is that our haulage drivers are very safe drivers with great road awareness and savvy. They are also some of the most courteous drivers on the road. Other people who use our roads should look at the hauliers as an example of how to conduct themselves. I say this as somebody with no vested interest but who travels between Cork and Dublin every week and who recognises the importance of safety on our roads, in particular on the motorway between Cork and Dublin. I commend our hauliers for this.

The Bill targets the owners and operators of vehicles for transporting goods for hire or reward, and we expect high standards and proper behaviour. It is important that we communicate and engage sufficiently with those involved in the business. This will allay some of the fear and suspicion people have. If we have a vibrant and strong road transport sector which engages with the Government and participates, we will find that legislation coming before the House will be enhanced by this participation.

The transport of goods by rogue operators must be addressed and to this end it is important that we welcome the more vigilant approach and proactivity by the customs service and the Garda. This may not be a popular thing to say. In imposing larger fines, a stricter regime will force people to think before acting illegally. Anecdotally we are told that the black economy is increasing in certain sectors; therefore, it is incumbent on the Government and this House to ensure it does not flourish and prosper.

I thank the Minister for bringing this Bill before the House. It is essential that we do not allow European directives to be left until the last minute before dotting the i's and crossing the t's. It has to be done better than this. Whether it is because of a cynical relationship with the European Union or because we think it might go away, the reality is that we are now a part of the Union. As EU directives have consequences and implications, it is critical for us to work in partnership with Europe rather than in isolation. By working in collaboration with Europe we can bring about change, including a better cohesion in the implementation of policy for all concerned.

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