Vol. 414 No. 2
60 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that car hire charges in Ireland are a serious impediment to tourist travel/hire; if he will outline his proposals, if any, to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Although I have no function in the pricing of car-hire I am fully aware of the concern which has been expressed recently about increases in car hire prices for 1992. These increases have been attributed to a number of factors including insurance costs, VAT, excise duties, and difficulties in disposing of vehicles due to competition from imported second hand cars.
I am also aware that Bord Fáilte have had discussions with car-hire firms as to how increases can be minimised and the number of cars available for hire increases. Recent developments such as this year's reduction in VAT rates and the 1 per cent reduction in the insurance levy will go someway towards alleviating car hire costs.
