Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 1126: To ask the Minister for Transport his response to the survey findings of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency that Irish truck drivers were the worst on English roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29891/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the findings of a report published by the UK Vehicle Operating Standards Agency (VOSA) concerning tests and enforcement checks conducted by the agency in the UK and the performance of Irish vehicles and drivers in compliance with vehicle standards and drivers hours rules.

The nature of the problems identified in the VOSA report are not unique to Irish vehicles and drivers. Of course, the UK authorities are entitled to prosecute any vehicle driver for failure to comply with relevant UK legislation and that is a matter for the UK authorities to pursue.

Insofar as improving vehicles standards and enforcement in the State is concerned, the Oireachtas recently enacted the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 which strengthens the institutional framework for improving enforcement levels for vehicle and driver legislation and for increasing cooperation with the Garda Síochána, which is responsible for the enforcement of Road traffic law. The authority, which was formally established on 1 September 2006, has now taken over responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards, roadworthiness testing and enforcement of drivers hours, tachograph and licensing regulations.

The chief executive of the authority is putting in place the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate and in that regard four vehicle testers have been recruited by the authority recently. The addition of these testers combined with the recruitment of four new engineers, which is currently in process, will significantly strengthen the capacity of the authority in vehicle standards. Further resources will be procured by the authority as and when the need arises. Over time the number of serving transport officers will double from the current nine to 18. The CEO has met recently with the Department for Transport (UK) and VOSA to agree protocols for joint working. In addition the Road Safety Authority is working in partnership with the Irish Road Haulage Association to address standards in the sector.

As far as enforcement is concerned, the Garda Síochána has brought the traffic corps within a more unified structure under the direction of the Commissioner. There has been a significant increase in the strength of the Garda traffic corps. The corps is being increased from 500 in early 2005 to 800 by the end of this year and 1,200 by 2008.

There is ongoing and close cooperation between the Irish and UK enforcement agencies in the enforcement of drivers' hours rules. This cooperation includes regular coordinated enforcement checks organised between the two jurisdictions and regular exchange of intelligence.

I am satisfied that the institutional arrangements now in place will strengthen the regime for monitoring compliance with vehicle standards and drivers hours rules.