Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

268. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the fact that under EU regulations a coach driver on an international journey carrying passengers can legally drive subject to certain conditions for 12 consecutive days, while a truck driver carrying goods must take at least 24 hours rest after six consecutive days driving; his further views that goods are more strenuous to transport or are more valuable than human life; and his plans to raise this issue at EU level. [48548/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Article 29 of Regulation (EC) 1073/2009 amended Article 8 of Regulation (EC) 561/2006 and its application to certain forms of passenger transport with effect from 4 June 2010. As a result, a coach driver on an international coach tour trip can avail of driving time regulations known as the “12 Day Rule”. Certain conditions apply, however, which are intended to protect the safety of the driver, the passengers and other road users. The conditions include:

- The driver must be engaged in a single international trip.

- The driver must take a rest period of at least 45 hours immediately before the journey.

- The driver must continue to take daily rest and breaks in line with existing requirements.

- For 24 hours of the 12 days, the driver and the coach tour passengers must be in a different  country (includes Northern Ireland) than where the trip started.

- After the trip, the driver must take a longer than regular rest period.

- From 1 January 2014, the vehicle must be fitted with a digital tachograph and if the driving time is between 22:00 and 06:00 there must be more than one driver, otherwise the driver cannot drive for more than 3 hours without a break.

In view of these important safeguards, I believe the regulations are appropriate.