Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by Irish tour operators that the introduction of the 12 day driver working rule specifically disadvantages seven day Irish cross-Border international coach tours; and if he will take the matter up at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers. [22241/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I have received representations from Irish tourism interests regarding the proposed re-introduction of the "12 day rule" i.e. the derogation which allowed postponement of a weekly rest period to allow drivers of international occasional passenger services to drive for 12 consecutive days which was removed in 2006, and have noted their concerns. I understand that any re-introduction of the "12 day rule" for drivers of international occasional passenger services, would apply to qualifying Irish cross-border services of seven days duration, i.e. where the service lasts at least 24 consecutive hours in a Member State other than the one in which the service started. There are no discussions proposed on the Land Transport Package in general or the "12 day rule" in particular proposed at this week's Transport Council.