Mr. John Fearon:

Deputy Catherine Murphy raised a number of key issues in respect of transport and made an important point about legislation as the driver of change. The legislation will drive many of our decisions over the medium to long term. In regard to investment in the transport sector generally, we are in the process of developing a strategic investment framework which will consider the issues arising while keeping a focus on the long-term objectives set out in the legislation. In the context of the immediate crisis, I can understand why every decision one would like cannot be taken now but our planning and focus on future investments remain in place. Our decisions on strategic investments will be critical in this regard.

In common with other Departments, we are acutely conscious of the need to involve people in this process. We expect to publish a paper in the next few weeks, following which we will provide for a consultation period of at least eight weeks, and hopefully longer, to allow people to respond. As the Deputy acknowledged, the level of change required is significant.

On the taxation issues, I hope they are continuing to have the appropriate effect. Efforts have been made to maintain the differential between high and low emission vehicles and to encourage people to invest appropriately when purchasing a vehicle.