Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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545. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will commence with the regulation of clamping vehicles which is provided for in Vehicle Clamping Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36213/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Vehicle Clamping Act was enacted in May 2015 and conferred the responsibilities of regulating vehicle clamping upon the National Transport Authority (NTA).

This conferral of additional responsibilities resulted in a requirement for allocation of additional resources to the NTA in order to allow it carry out its new functions in this area. In addition the NTA also required a period to make and prepare the necessary regulations provided for under the Act as well as ensure appropriate training and administrative supports are in place to allow for commencement of regulatory activities. 

This preparatory work has now been completed; however, in recent weeks an issue arose in how the Act deals with the required consultation process in relation to draft Regulations prior to their finalisation. This issue needs to be addressed so as to ensure that the NTA can proceed with the publication of said draft Regulations. 

I am dealing with this issue through making a technical amendment to the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 which will be introduced by means of an amendment to the Road Traffic Bill 2016 which is currently at Dáil Committee Stage.

Once amended, the Vehicle Clamping Act will be commenced and the NTA will then proceed with the consultation process in relation to the draft Regulations prior to their finalisation.