Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 4

Written Answers. - Tax Rebates.

Ivan Yates

Question:

89 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Finance if he has received representations from members of the Coach Tourism Council in relation to the operational arrangements for the low sulphur diesel excise rebate scheme; if his attention has been drawn to complaints that this discriminates in favour of CIE operations and against the private sector due to storage arrangements; the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that the effect of the scheme is even-handed across the sector; if he will give details in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6277/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

I am well aware of the concerns of the members of the Coach Tourism Council and of other bus operators regarding the stipulation that the concession, in respect of the excise duty relief on diesel for passenger services, would in future be confined to cases where low sulphur diesel is used.

Provision to give effect to the announcement in my Budget Statement has been made in the Finance Bill, currently being discussed in the House. The relevant sections will be implemented by way of a ministerial order, allowing time for the interested parties to make the switch to this cleaner fuel. As I have explained in reply to a recent parliamentary question, nothing in this proposal discriminates in favour of CIE.

I assure the House that I will not sign the order until I am satisfied that supplies of low sulphur diesel can be obtained by transport operators.