Finian McGrath
Ceist:174 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding fuel rebate. [21338/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 1 May 2012
Ceisteanna (116, 117)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:175 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed any proposals from the international transport and haulage sector in relation to a fuel rebate for Irish licensed and tax compliant hauliers who are purchasing fuel here, in view of the reported decrease in haulage licenses by 1,300 over the past three years which represents approximately 10,000 job losses in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21384/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
The Deputies may be aware that a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and some members of the Oireachtas. This working group is discussing a number of issues of concern to the haulage industry. I am sure the Deputies will understand that I cannot pre-empt the outcome of those discussions which are ongoing. I should point out that a fuel rebate system, as sought by the IRHA, could not under EU law be restricted to Irish licensed hauliers but would have to be extended to all vehicles intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 7.5 tonnes. In addition, the rebate would have to include the carriage of passengers by a motor vehicle of category M2 or category M3 as defined in Council Directive 70/156/EEC.