Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2012
111 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance his views on the state of the coach tourism sector which is being exasperated by the high levels of tax on diesel; if he will consider the reintroduction of an excise rebate scheme in order to help the coach tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12387/12]
View answerA derogation under EU Directive 2003/96 on Energy Taxation allowed the application of a reduced rate of Mineral Oil Tax to fuel used for the purposes of certain road passenger services. That derogation has expired and the arrangement was, therefore, terminated by the Finance Act 2008. It would not be possible, having regard to the relevant provisions of EU law, to re-introduce a scheme of that nature for those services.
