Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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335. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) with regard to the new testing of trailers being pulled behind jeeps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10833/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Trailers are classified according to their Design Gross Vehicle Weight (DGVW), which is the weight of the trailer including the maximum load it can carry in accordance with the manufacturer's design specifications.  There are four categories of trailer; categories O1, O2, O3 and O4. Currently trailers of categories O3 and O4 are tested annually by the Vehicle testing network, VTN, while trailers of categories O1 and O2 are not. It is the responsibility of vehicle owners and operators to ensure that both the towing vehicle and trailer are mechanically sound, fit for purpose, and compliant with road traffic legislation at all times.

The categories of vehicles subject to roadworthiness testing and the frequency of such tests are governed by EC Directive 2009/40/EC on the roadworthiness testing of motor vehicles and their trailers. Under this Directive, category O1 and O2 trailers (with a DGVW of between 750kg to 3,500kg) are exempt from annual roadworthiness testing. However, since October 2012, O1 and O2 trailers must be type approved before they are sold thus ensuring that they are manufactured to a recognised and approved safety standard.

While heavy category O3 and O4 trailers (DGVW from 3,500kg to in excess of 10,000kg) are subject to Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing (CVRT), commercial vehicle operators are statutorily obliged to have appropriate maintenance and repair systems in place, conduct daily walk around checks of their vehicles and to make an annual declaration on their maintenance to the Road Safety Authority.

Any future amendments to the current testing regime under Directive 2014/45/EU, will be examined by the Road Safety Authority, who have statutory responsibility for vehicle testing arrangements, and will report their recommendations to my Department shortly.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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336. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) with regard to motorcycles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10834/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I understand that while Directive 2014/45/EU on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers provides for the roadworthiness testing of motorcycles from 1 January 2022, EU Member States who have appropriate alternative road safety measures in place can avail of an exemption from this requirement.

An issue of concern in relation to this vulnerable cohort of road users is certain driving behaviour exhibited by and towards motorcyclists on our road network. While any measures which have a positive effect on road safety are to be welcomed, it is important to ensure that the optimal road safety impact is realised.

Having statutory responsibility for vehicle testing arrangements, the Road Safety Authority will examine the requirements of Directive 2014/45/EU and will report to my Department on their recommendations shortly.