asked the Minister for Finance whether he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to amend the law relating to the payment of tax on motor vehicles into the Road Fund so that such payments may be fixed on the same basis as in Great Britain and U.S.A., viz., based on petrol consumption, the rate to be fixed at such a level that the amount paid into the fund will be the same as formerly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Taxation.
As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware, the general question of transport within the country is at present being considered by an expert specially engaged for the purpose. As his report, when forthcoming, may have a bearing on motor taxation among other problems affecting transport, it would be premature for me, at this stage, to consider any radical departure from the existing basis of such taxation. I am, therefore, not prepared to introduce proposals for legislation on the lines advocated by the Deputy.