Vol. 561 No. 6
83 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Finance his plans to consider capital allowances for businesses that provide railway sidings and other facilities at their premises, to encourage the carriage of goods by rail rather than road. [5077/03]
I assume the Deputy is referring to the short track at the side of and opening on to a railway line for shunting or stabling trains, as well as to other transport facilities. As I indicated in my budget speech, while I am a supporter of properly focused, clearly defined specific tax reliefs, reliefs narrow the tax base. A broad tax base is the price that must be paid to keep tax rates low. Any proposal for new tax reliefs would have to be considered in this context.
84 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered a submission (details supplied) to his Department prior to the recent budget requesting him to include a derogation of excise duty on biofuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5114/03]
I received the submission in question regarding biofuel promotion, and a derogation on excise duty on biofuels produced from vegetable oils or recovered food and waste oils before the budget. As the subject of biofuel production falls within the remit of the Department of Transport, I forwarded the submission to that Department for observations. The Department of Transport has now informed my Department that Sustainable Energy Ireland has commissioned a paper from Teagasc on the current position regarding liquid biofuels in Ireland. The paper, due shortly, will lay out strategic options for the sector. The Department of Transport will review the paper in the context of implementing the forthcoming EU directive on the promotion of the use of biofuels. The Department of Transport intends to develop a strategy that takes account of the different interests involved.
