Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 261: To ask the Minister for Transport his view on the European Commission's proposals to permanently exclude self-employed lorry and coach drivers from EU working time regulations; if he has opposed this proposed change to EU working time rules in view of the fact that it may threaten the safety of all road users and drivers' health and put small hauliers here out of business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26351/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Directive 2002/15 - the Working Time Directive for Mobile Workers - applies to self-employed drivers, among other mobile workers. Following a detailed study and impact analysis of various options in relation to the implementation of the Directive, and in line with that study's recommendations, the European Commission made proposals to amend the Directive, including a proposal to exclude genuine self employed bus and truck operators from the scope of that Directive. On that basis Ireland supported the Commission's proposals, as did the majority of other Member States.

I understand that following the recent rejection by the European Parliament of the Commission's proposals in relation to self-employed drivers, the Commission is now reviewing the position. The outcome of the Commission's review is awaited and when their position is known, I will assess the situation at that time.