It is presumed that the question refers to section 94(3) Finance Act, 2000, which included a provision relating to the repayment of excise duty on hydrocarbon oil used in the provision of school bus services.
The effect of that provision is twofold – to regularise the payment of excise refunds on an ongoing basis and to provide a basis for refunds backdated to 1 January 1997, or an earlier date if so prescribed by the Revenue Commissioners.
Arising from this, payments to school bus operators are ongoing and refunds are being made in respect of the period since 1 January 1997.
As regards the position prior to that date, Revenue wrote on 27 October 2000 to the relevant representative bodies setting out its view on the matter. Revenue has also offered to meet these bodies to further clarify their position and to discuss any underlying issues. A response from these interests is awaited.