I propose to take Questions Nos. 726, 734, 742, 743 and 750 together.
Since 1999, various EU directives have set common rules on distance-related tolls and time-based user charges (known as vignettes) for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) for the use of certain roads infrastructure. It is open to any Member State to introduce road user charges if it wishes. The new road user levy, which is being introduced by the UK Parliament, applies to all HGVs weighing 12 tonnes or more for use of UK roads including those in Northern Ireland. This levy is due to come into effect on 1 April 2014.
I am very aware of the concerns of the Irish haulage industry regarding the introduction of a HGV road user levy by the UK authorities. On a number of occasions, I have expressed my concerns to both the UK and Northern Ireland authorities regarding the impact this levy will have on Republic of Ireland hauliers. I have sought exemptions for roads in Northern Ireland to reduce the impact of the levy on Irish hauliers on the basis of the Irish government's contribution towards the cost of roads infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The issue has also been discussed at transport sectoral meetings of the North South Ministerial Council.
I met Stephen Hammond M.P., Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport on 20 February 2013 and again pressed the issue at that meeting. Clause 3 of the UK HGV Road User Levy Act 2013 allows the UK Secretary of State to vary the extent of the scheme by order. The UK has proposed to exempt approximately 7 miles of cross-border road between the Republic and Northern Ireland. This would allow all operators to use these stretches of road without paying the levy, as it would be a breach of EU legislation to grant an exemption to just one country. The UK Government has been quite clear that that they are not open to exempting all Northern Irish roads from the levy. In this context, at the meeting with Minister Hammond, I proposed that an exemption be given for the A5, as it is often used by operators starting a journey in the Republic and transiting Northern Ireland to deliver goods to another location in the Republic, and it was agreed that further consideration would be given to this proposal. My officials are continuing to engage with the UK Department for Transport on this matter. Any support that the Northern Irish Executive or individual Ministers of the Executive can bring to bear on the UK Government to ensure that there is an exemption for the A5 would of course be welcomed.