Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister but he has not given me any confidence that he will find a solution or a resolution that will meet the concerns and the needs of the owners of heavy goods vehicles. He is aware that it is approximately €5,200 cheaper to operate the same heavy goods vehicle in the North of Ireland as opposed to the South. The Irish State has chosen not to police the visiting of Northern trucks in the State in a manner that would make it difficult for them to compete effectively against their Southern counterparts.

Trucks travelling from County Donegal to Dublin on a daily basis will incur this charge. I am interested to find out the routes that the Minister has sought to exclude from charges. This initiative will be helpful if it is successful.

He also indicated that he has discussed the matter with his counterparts in the North and the UK. Has he taken the opportunity to have a conversation with the leader of Sinn Féin in this House, Deputy Adams, given that he holds significant sway in the Administration in the Northern part of this country? Perhaps a discussion between Deputy Adams and the Minister would help to resolve this matter. I have every expectation that Deputy Adams and Sinn Féin will support the Minister in addressing the concerns of hauliers on this side of the Border. If he has not had that conversation, why has he not done so and will he agree to enter discussions at the earliest opportunity?

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