Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he continues to engage with the road haulage representatives in the context of the extent to which high fuel prices here place the industry at a disadvantage in comparison with other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23353/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I engaged on a number of occasions last year with the Irish Road Haulage Association and, out of that engagement, a working group was set up between Department officials, Revenue, the IRHA and public representatives to examine the issue of fuel prices. In Budget 2013 I announced that I would be introducing a commercial diesel relief thus allowing qualifying hauliers to reclaim a proportion of the mineral oil tax paid on auto-diesel purchased for qualifying vehicles.
Provision was made in this year’s Finance Act to allow for this relief which will apply to purchases made on or after 1st July this year and the amount to be repaid will vary by reference to the price at which auto-diesel is purchased, subject to a maximum repayment of 7.5 cent per litre.
The Revenue Commissioners, who are charged with implementing the repayment scheme, met with representatives of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) on 10th April 2013 to outline the operation of the scheme and to answer queries. The Revenue Commissioners expect to hold further meetings with the IRHA and other transport operator representatives in preparation for the commencement of the scheme.
