James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We should be encouraging people to use public transport. Any gradual increase in carbon tax will push up the cost of school transport and affect industry and agriculture. We all know that trials and pilot schemes with regard to biomass and bioenergy crops were in operation over recent years. They were monitored by the Department. Generous grants were offered to encourage people to participate in these trials. When the crops failed, farmers who were participating in pilot schemes were badly hit. It has left a very sour taste in people's mouths. Many people are reluctant to move into this area again. I would welcome the officials' comments on that. Reference has also been made to the possibility of revising the car bands. That has happened over recent years. Maybe those present will elaborate a little further on that. Three or four bands are already in place. The former Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government revised the bands three or four years ago.