Joe Higgins
Ceist:18 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will report on the Government's contacts with the Irish Road Haulage Association during recent protests about oil costs. [20406/00]
Written Answers. - Road Haulage Industry.
John Bruton
Ceist:33 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will report on the meeting between the Government and the Irish Road Haulage Association on 13 September 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19502/00]
John Bruton
Ceist:47 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the Government has replied to the communication received from the Irish Road Haulage Association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19491/00]
Ruairí Quinn
Ceist:50 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will make a statement on the Government's meeting with the Irish Road Haulage Association on 13 September 2000. [19845/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 33, 47 and 50 together.
Arising from concerns over the impact of increased fuel prices on the road haulage industry a meeting was held between the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance and the Irish Road Haulage Association on 13 September 2000. The meeting was held in advance of a day of action by hauliers to highlight their problems.
Following that meeting it was recognised that the taxation of fuel could only be considered in the context of overall budgetary policy. It was also recognised that there are other non-tax pressures which impact on the sector and a high level task force was established representing relevant Departments and the IRHA to identify issues and propose response strategies to address these pressures.
The work of the task force process is based on a report published by the Department of Public Enterprise entitled A Strategy for the Successful Development of the Irish Road Haulage Industry. The recommendations from that report which relate to my Department are already being implemented in consultation with IRHA and IBEC.
The impact of the task force consideration will be to heighten awareness of and accelerate the implementation of these strategies for the sector while identifying and addressing wider pressures.
The task force will complete its work within a number of weeks and proposals for a programme of action will be put to Government for consideration. I am confident that, with the support of Government and the Irish Road Haulage Association, implementation of this programme of action and of the wider recommendations of the strategy for the development of the industry will lead to a stronger road haulage sector.