asked the Minister for the Environment the reason he has not taken action to encourage the use of leadfree petrol by Irish motorists.
Written Answers. - Lead-Free Petrol.
56.
I have taken a number of steps to encourage the use of unleaded petrol by Irish motorists.
Unleaded petrol was introduced to this country in October 1986. It is more expensive to produce than leaded petrol and, on this account, there was a price differential at the pumps for over a year after its introduction. Following a submission made by me, an adjustment was made in the excise duty applying to unleaded petrol in the 1988 Budget, which removed the price disincentive.
I have established a steering committee to devise and oversee measures to promote wider availability of unleaded petrol. The oil distribution companies, the motor trade and a number of Government Departments are represented on the committee. The first task was to secure the establishment of a reasonable network of outlets throughout the country. The number of petrol stations selling unleaded petrol at the end of January 1988 was 14. By the end of September, it had risen to 36 outlets and by the end of January 1989 I expect that unleaded petrol will be available at 95 outlets. Although there are some gaps to fill in the network, I am pleased at the progress being made to date in this first phase of the programme.
The second element was to inform motorists as to whether their cars can use unleaded petrol. A list of cars which can use leaded or unleaded petrol without adjustment has been prepared by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry and was launched on 25 October.
The third element involved a publicity campaign which I launched on 25 October, with the objective of getting the required information across to the motoring public on the use of unleaded petrol and on where they can get it, and so encourage those who can to change over to unleaded petrol.
A radio advertising campaign has commenced and widespread distribution of information leaflets, posters and car stickers is underway. I intend to step up this publicity effort in the months to come, according as more progress is made in extending the network of unleaded petrol stations.
While I am not yet satisfied with the rate of progress here compared to some other European countries, I believe that the action I have taken, in co-operation with the other interests concerned, to encourage the use of unleaded petrol will ensure its greater acceptance and wider availability here by 1 October 1989, the date by which, under the terms of EC Directive 85/210, each member state is required to ensure the availability and balanced distribution of unleaded petrol.