Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Transport the status of EU Commission proposals for implementation of the working time directive in relation to self-employed drivers of trucks; the effect this directive will have on the viability of small haulage firms here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35071/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The European Commission has advised Member States that as a follow-on from a negative vote by the European Parliament concerning proposed amendments to the Directive 2002/15/EC, which would have excluded genuine self-employed drivers from the scope of the rules on the working time, the Commission has decided to withdraw its proposals in that regard. This means, in effect, that the Directive is now applicable to self-employed drivers. My Department will initiate a review of the legislative changes that will be required to the European Communities (Organisation of Working Time of Persons Performing Road Transport Activities) Regulations 2005 (SI 2 of 2005) to bring self-employed drivers within the scope of the rules on working time. Consultation with the industry will be required and self-employed drivers will be afforded the opportunity, during the consultation phase, to give their views on the impact of the Directive for the viability of their businesses.