Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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573. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline the implications for Ireland if caravans, trailers and motorcycles may have to carry separate number plates from 2016 onwards as a result of a recent vote by the European Parliament; if he believes licence plates should remain in Ireland's competence or should be part of an overall EU policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33314/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Enhanced EU roadworthiness proposals published by the Commission in July 2012 proposed the addition of heretofore excluded classes of vehicles such as towed caravans, trailers and motorcycles within the established roadworthiness testing regime. Under the Irish Presidency, amendments to those proposals were agreed by the Land Transport Working Group, and the June 2013 Ministerial Transport Council reached a General Agreement on the suggested amendments. The European Parliament has separately submitted a range of possible amendments to the Commission and negotiations to reach/seek an agreed tripartite solution will be initiated shortly under the Lithuanian Presidency. Ireland will await the final outcome of these negotiations  and will carefully consider any implications that may arise.