Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland's commercial vehicle road worthiness testing, CVRT, regime is fully in compliance with European Union roadworthiness testing directive 2009/40/EC and operates within a framework of EU legislation which stipulates the testing standards for member states in regard to various categories of vehicles. In accordance with current EU requirements, not all trailers are required to be roadworthiness tested at the CVRT centre. Presently, goods trailers, which are categories 03 and 04 with a design gross vehicle weight in excess of 3.500 kg are tested. The design gross vehicle weight refers to the gross weight of a vehicle laden with the heaviest load which it is designed to carry. In view of current EU roadworthiness testing requirements it would, therefore, not be appropriate to align the roadworthiness testing requirements for all traders with a DGVW in excess of 3,500 kg with current obligations to licence such as trailers and semi-trailers which are being used on the public road.

What we have at present from a roadworthiness testing perspective is currently compliant with best practice in the European Union. I am very satisfied with the regime we have in place. I have a further concern that If we were to extend that further it would be a further piece of regulation and a potential cost that we would extend to the owners of different vehicles who are in a very competitive sector. I would be concerned that might have cost consequences and impose a regulatory burden, matters which are close to the Senator's heart, that might not be proportionate to the benefit the State would get from us. I would be particularly concerned at the effect that could have for smaller businesses and employers in the agricultural sphere. For those reasons I am not accepting the amendment.