Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether the EU's road transport working time directive should be applied to all self-employed transport workers; his further views on double jobbing in the taxi industry and calls for the return of the 40 hour availability rule for taxi workers and on EU proposals to reform the working time directive; if he will make recommendations to this effect to the Road Safety Authority or the EU Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5811/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Road Safety Authority is consulting employer and union interests concerning proposals by the European Commission to amend the EU Road Transport Working Time Directive 2002/15. The consultation was placed on the RSA website on 4th February 2009 together with supporting documentation. The Road Safety Authority will be reporting to my Department on the outcome of the consultation in March and decisions will be taken on an appropriate national position on the Commission's proposals. I do not intend to pre-empt the outcome of the RSA's consultation.

My Department does not have responsibility for the general Working Time Directive which is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Regarding double jobbing in the taxi industry and an 'availability' rule, the Commission for Taxi Regulation was established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003. I understand from discussions between my Department and the taxi industry representatives that they are developing proposals in that regard and when submitted to my Department, they will be referred to the appropriate authority for consideration.