Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals he has to help the haulage industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52630/12]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way he proposes to help the haulage industry meet the challenges it faces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52644/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 118 together.

I recognise the important role of the haulage sector in the transport of goods and the difficulties it is facing in the current economic climate.  I and my officials meet regularly with the sector's representative organisations.

One of the main concerns of the sector is fuel prices, and the sector has been interacting with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, in relation to taxes and duties on fuel.

To improve services for road and passenger transport operators, my Department is developing an online licence application system.  This will go live early in 2013 and provide the convenience of a 24/7 system for online applications, including in relation to changing the vehicles authorised on licences.  As part of the project, forms, documents and processes are also being streamlined, all of which should lead to a more efficient service with faster processing times.

The new system will also incorportate linkages to other EU member states for the exchange of information on infringements.  This will contribute to fair competition by helping to identify illegal or non-compliant operators, as will measures in last year's Road Transport Act which substantially increased fines for illegal hauliers and those who use them.

In relation to the vehicles used in the haulage sector, last year I extended the derogation for the carriage of 42 tonnes on five axle vehicles to December 2014. I have recently approved in principle proposals which will allow the carriage of 46 tonnes on six axle vehicles. I understand that the necessary legislation for this is being prepared in the RSA and I look forward to signing it into law as soon as possible.