Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 October 2012
14. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has identified or examined the issues currently affecting the transport sector in a negative way; if he has had discussions with stakeholders who may be affected by rising fuel costs or other issues; if any particular proposals have emerged which might address any such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45161/12]
View answer248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has received communication from the transport sector in the matter of identification of cost factors likely to inhibit growth or development in the industry in the coming year; the measures taken or likely to be taken to address such factors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45520/12]
View answer250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he continues to engage with the stakeholders in the industries under his aegis with a view of maximisation of job creation opportunities of consequent reduction in unemployment levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45522/12]
View answer251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he has studied the costs associated with the transport sector with particular reference to the extent to which fuel prices now negatively impact on this sector; if he has received submissions from the representative bodies in this regard; if any intervention can be made unilaterally or in conjunction with his EU colleagues with a view to ensuring that fuel prices here are competitive with those prevailing throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45523/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 248, 250 and 251 together.
These questions relate to the Haulage Industry.
The predominant element of transport costs is fuel. My Department has no direct control over this cost but keeps under review all costs over which we do have an influence, including the cost of services provided through our agencies. In this context, my Department is engaged in an initiative to reduce, where feasible, the administration cost to business of complying with transport legislation.
From my contacts with the haulage industry, I am aware that they have raised the issue of reducing taxation on fuel. However, this is a matter primarily for the Minister for Finance.
The Government's plans to address the economic difficulties facing all elements of the economy are set out in the Programme for Government and place a heavy emphasis on the delivery of effective transport services. In addition, the Government's Jobs Initiative includes a number of measures intended to stimulate tourism by increasing the competitiveness of access transport and our tourism product.
I have outlined my priorities to 2016 on my Department's website and in my Department's Statement of Strategy. There is constant ongoing contact at all levels in my Department with stakeholders and, in particular, during the preparation of this three year strategy. A key commitment in the Strategy 2011-2014 is to increase tourism numbers to 8 million by 2015. The Trade, Tourism and Investment Strategy of 2010 envisaged that this would result in an additional 15,000 jobs directly employed in tourism.
Earlier this year I set out on my Department’s website details of the progress that I and my Department have made since my appointment (http://www.dttas.ie/pressRelease.aspx?Id=503). I would also refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 704 on Tuesday, 9th October, 2012 in which I gave an update on progress on the Programme for Government commitments for which I have specific responsibility.
