Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself with the state of preparedness within his Department for the introduction of the digital tachograph; and the strategy in place to co-ordinate efforts with An Garda Síochána. [16213/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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From 1st May, 2006 the following vehicles put into service for the first time must be fitted with a digital tachograph:

—Vehicles used for the carriage of goods where the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle including any trailer or semi-trailer exceeds 3.5 tonnes;

—Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers which, by virtue of their construction and equipment, are suitable for carrying more than 9 persons, including the driver.

Associated with the introduction of this new technology, is the issue of smart cards for use in the new system. In Ireland, my Department is responsible for the issue of smart cards for drivers, companies, workshops and enforcement. Since February of this year my Department has been issuing these cards and the gardaí have now agreed to assist with this process in verifying the identity of drivers. From this week all drivers can go to their local Garda station to have their identity checked instead of coming to my Department's public office in Dublin. We very much welcome the co-operation and assistance of the gardaí in this matter.