136 Mr. M. Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that all second hand motor vehicles imported into this country are roadworthy; and if he has any plans to have all such vehicles tested for road-worthiness at the point of entry prior to being offered for sale.

: I would draw the Deputy's attention to the statement I made on 16 March 1990 on the subject of imported motor vehicles in general, both new and used. I am arranging to have a copy of the relevant press statement placed in the Oireachtas Library. Briefly, I propose to make regulations, with effect from 1 August 1990, which will make it an offence to supply a vehicle which does not comply with all of the road traffic regulations relating to the construction, equipment and lighting of vehicles.

In accordance with EC competition rules, imported motor vehicles are only roadworthiness tested prior to being licensed to carry goods or passengers, where the vehicles concerned are in categories for which domestic vehicles are liable to compulsory testing. In the case of Ireland, these vehicle categories are heavy goods vehicles, buses, taxis and ambulances over one year old. Light goods vehicles over four years old will be roadworthiness tested by 1 January 1995, in accordance with an EC Directive. The question of the compulsory testing of used cars and motor cycles will be kept under review in the light of developments at EC and national levels.