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Tax Code.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2005

Tuesday, 22 March 2005

Ceisteanna (310, 311)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

310 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport his views on alteration of the tax system to encourage travellers to use eco-friendly modes of transport, that is, a carbon levy on air travel journeys and aviation fuel tax. [8575/05]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

343 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the position of his Department, and the reasons therefore, in respect of the European Parliament’s efforts to introduce an aviation fuel tax in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9085/05]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 343 together.

A thriving air transport industry is particularly important for Ireland, given our island location on the periphery of Europe, and our reliance on the air transport industry to maintain our strong economic links to the United States. Any proposal to introduce an aviation fuel tax or carbon levy on air travel journeys would have to be assessed carefully with these important factors in mind and having regard to the global nature of the aviation industry. The responsibility for preparing proposals for European law rests with the European Commission. Until such time as the European Commission presents a proposal on the introduction of aviation fuel tax in the EU it is not possible for my Department to assess the impact of any such proposal from an Irish perspective.

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