School Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 September 2008

Wednesday, 24 September 2008

Questions (1601)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1689 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to introduce a replacement fuel rebate scheme for school transport operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30009/08]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)

The Finance Act 2008 provided the legislative changes to withdraw relief in respect of fuel used for public transport vehicles with effect from 1 November 2008 in line with the European Union Energy Tax Directive. The appropriate full excise duties will apply from that date.

My Department is in discussions with the Department of Finance on the impact of the withdrawal of the relief in respect of fuel used by school transport operators in the context of the 2009 Estimates.