THE Minister of State to the Taoiseach, Ms Avril Doyle, urged Irish hauliers to be cautious before going to Spain. Irish companies with drivers held up there at present should advise drivers to exercise caution "in the interests of their own safety".
The strike action which fast week was confined to the northern parts of Spain had now become more widespread and its effects were being felt by industry and services throughout the country.
She expected the Irish Road Haulage Association would adopt a similar approach to claims for compensation for hauliers as was adopted in the case of the French strike last November.
The Irish Embassy in Madrid had been in touch with the Spanish Foreign Ministry to express concern about Irish drivers. The regional authorities, who were responsible for the free and safe circulation of traffic had been contacted.
The Minister was responding to Mr Dermot Ahern (FF, Louth), who said there was serious concern for the hauliers safety and economic interests.