Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 6

Written Answers. - Tax Imposition.

Noel O'Flynn

Ceist:

220 Mr. O'Flynn asked the Minister for Finance if he will refrain from the introduction of a tax on car parking spaces provided by employers until proper regular public transport services are provided in all districts of the major cities and comprehensive park and ride facilities are provided on all approaches to the cities from outlying rural areas, and until each city has an integrated ticketing system for public transport including single journeys; and if he will further refrain from imposing such a tax on car parking spaces in rural areas which do not have public transport service at least hourly. [27232/00]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

In my financial statement for Budget 2000, I stated that I had directed that my Department consult with the Dublin Transportation Office and other relevant agencies on the practical measures required to impose a straightforward tax on persons using any employer provided car parking spaces in the inner city area of Dublin.

The existing working group on benefit-in-kind tax on car parking was expanded to include the director of traffic of Dublin Corporation, representatives of the Dublin Transportation Office and officials of the Department of the Environment and Local Government. The working group has been presented with discussion papers prepared by the Dublin Transportation Office and Dublin Corporation and the options for the imposition of a tax have been discussed. I will bear in mind the points raised by the Deputy in considering any proposal which may be brought forward.