Vol. 514 No. 6
191 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if private transport bus operators who provide road passenger services have access to low sulphur diesel; if not, the plans to make it readily available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5252/00]
My officials have been informed by the Department of the Environment and Local Government that low sulphur diesel will be available in this country later this year.
It is my own experience that where tax incentives are provided, market forces will respond. Therefore, I expect that the transport operators currently enjoying generous tax reliefs under the passenger road service fuel relief scheme will find suppliers of low sulphur diesel in order to continue benefiting under the scheme, which is being amended in this year's Finance Bill. The relevant sections will be implemented by way of ministerial order later this year, allowing time for the interested parties to make the switch to the cleaner and more environmentally sound low sulphur fuel.
