Vol. 493 No. 5
174 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on whether prices for ordinary premium petrol are expected to rise further and that availability will be limited; if his attention has been drawn to the concern regarding this matter particularly from elderly people who have old cars, MOT tested and approved, but cannot afford to change them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16793/98]
I presume the Deputy is referring to the recent announcement that the marketing of leaded petrol in Ireland is to be phased out by the year 2000. Sales of unleaded petrol accounted for some 83 per cent of total petrol sales in April 1998 and are rising steadily. Most cars from 1986 onwards are manufactured to run on unleaded petrol while many earlier models are capable of running on both leaded and unleaded petrol. The majority of older engines are also capable of technical adjustment to run on unleaded petrol. In addition, I am aware that commercial interests are currently investigating the possibilities of introducing lead substitute products, which are used in overseas markets, onto the Irish market.
There have been widespread consultations this year with, inter alia, the oil industry and motoring interests. I do not expect the phase out of leaded petrol by 2000 to have any impact on petrol prices.
In relation to the introduction and operation of a system of car testing, I would point out that, as indicated in my reply to Question No. 15 on 11 June 1998, an EU-wide competitive tendering process is now under way in my Department with a view to selecting the contractor by autumn 1998.
