Robert Troy
Question:561. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the VRT grant for full hybrid vehicles beyond 31 December 2018. [42869/17]
View answerTuesday, 10 October 2017
Questions (561)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, tax policy generally and tax incentives, such as VRT relief, are matters for the Minister for Finance.
The Government is very supportive of the transition of the car fleet to zero emissions technology, especially electric vehicles, EVs. My Department and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, have jointly convened an interdepartmental Low-Emitting Vehicles, LEV, Taskforce to consider a full suite of potential measures to expedite the deployment of low carbon technologies under a commitment outlined in the, "Programme for a Partnership Government".
The three working groups of the Taskforce are addressing Market Growth Stimuli and Visibility; Infrastructure, Energy Regulation and Pricing; and Planning Legislation, Building Regulations and Public Leadership.
My Department chairs Working Group 1 of the Taskforce which, among other things, is examining the following: existing and potential fiscal support measures - including the VRT relief; developing business related incentives such as the accelerated capital allowance scheme and BIK scheme; and potential other incentives including free parking and free tolls for EV drivers. Interim findings and recommendations of the LEV Taskforce relating to Electric Vehicles have been considered in the context of the 2018 budgetary and Estimates processes.
Question No. 562 answered with Question No. 560.