Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I stated, I have no problem conveying the Deputy's proposal to both the relevant Departments. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport would have liked to have been in the House to respond on this issue. This matter is not one for national governments as we are subject to clear European regulations in respect of type approval requirements for vehicles. I stress, therefore, that any solution needs to be provided at European level. That is not to say the Government cannot push the issue. However, European regulations would be required before the Deputy's proposal could be implemented. I do not have a problem raising the issue on behalf of the Deputy when we meet the Commissioner next week.

I am also happy to bring this to further meetings and to encourage the two Ministers to take it on.

It is not at all a case of silo government. In the last three or four years, there has been a great deal more joined-up thinking in Departments. I am a vivid example of this as I am at two Departments. It is very stressful when one is trying to work in two Departments. Joking aside, we recognise that we need to have cross-government decision-making and Departments working together. That will not be a blockage here. It is doable, it is not a blockage that it needs to be sponsored by two Departments. It is something that needs to challenged at a European level. There are two and more excellent MEPs the Deputy can link with to drive the agenda. I will certainly raise it at EU Commission level and our Ministers will bring it forward here. Something like this needs a co-ordinated approach across the board, but it is doable when it is co-ordinated properly.

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