Vol. 515 No. 6
158 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that a fuel excise rebate of 23p per litre will not be lost to an organisation (details supplied) which would have serious difficulties if this rebate is not available in view of the competitiveness in providing transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6919/00]
I am well aware of the concerns of the organisation referred to by the Deputy 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.
I assure the House again that I will not sign the order until I am satisfied that supplies of low sulphur diesel can be obtained by transport operators.
