Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a recent report from the British Vehicle and Operator Services Agency that found that a high proportion of Irish registered lorries travelling to Britain failed roadside mechanical or driver tests when checked during 2003 and 2004; his views on the findings; if he has satisfied himself with safety standards of Irish vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15560/05]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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There has been a press report to that effect. I have asked my Department to obtain a copy of the British agency's report. Motor vehicles must comply with a range of requirements while being used in a public place. These requirements are set out in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002, Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003 to 2004 and the Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 1996. Road traffic law assigns responsibility to the user of the vehicle for ensuring compliance with these regulations. Enforcement of road traffic law is a matter for the Garda Síochána.

In accordance with EU requirements, goods vehicles and trailers are liable for a roadworthiness test when they are one year old and every year thereafter. The items to be tested as part of a vehicle test are specified in a EU directive. The roadworthiness test reflects both the requirements of the directive and those laid down in the national "in-use" regulations.

The implementation of EU Directive 2000/30/EC which provides for random roadside roadworthiness testing of HGVs will also assist in securing adherence to vehicle standards. My Department is in discussions with the Garda Síochána with a view to putting in place the necessary arrangements for full implementation of the directive.