Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On coming to power, the Government promised to break down barriers, break up the cosy cartels, open up competition, eliminate the system of nods and winks and abolish quangos. The transport industry is very important and creates large numbers of jobs. It welcomes the measures the Minister for Finance took in the budget on taxation paid on large vehicles.

Those who drive lorries must obtain a licence. In the past three or four years, a quango or cartel has developed among those who provide courses leading to a haulage licence. A cartel operating in the eastern region is preventing other companies from offering these transport courses. I contacted the Ombudsman about the issue in the past year and one company in County Leitrim has been in constant contact with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Chartered Institute of Logistics in Transport, CILT. It has also contacted the Ombudsman and its representatives are present in the Visitors Gallery. For four years, this company has been excluded from the system because it is able to offer courses for nearly half the price currently being charged by the cartel. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission wrote to me, making clear that the office is seriously concerned about what is taking place.

Will the Tánaiste give an undertaking that she will ensure that companies wishing to supply courses to people seeking a haulage licence will be treated fairly? Every time a letter is written about this issue, the reply states the matter is under review. A review was undertaken in 2011 but the companies seeking to compete in providing courses did not receive a response. Last year, when I wrote to the Department, I was informed again that the matter was under a review. Notwithstanding the lovely, fancy letters we receive from a Minister on this issue, it is clear the buck is being passed.

Approximately 80% of the work of the company which has been seeking information and trying to get on the ladder for the past four years is based in Athlone. It is interesting to note that because it raised its head above the parapet, all HGV testing in Athlone for buses and rigid and articulated trucks was suspended in the past week. Health and safety and a lack of places to turn a vehicle were the excuses given for the suspension. I know of 100 roads around Athlone where a heavy goods vehicle can be turned. I did my test in the area and have backed an articulated truck down many a road around Athlone.

There is something rotten, something that stinks, about what has occurred in the past four years. The Department, the Chartered Institute of Logistics in Transport and a cartel involving the suppliers of courses are caught up in web that is keeping people out of the industry. Is the Government prepared to take on this cartel? Is it prepared to provide for fair and open competition for companies that can provide a service for nearly half the price consumers are currently paying?

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