Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I represent Sligo-North Leitrim. We depend on the members of the Irish Veteran Vintage Car Club and the Vintage Veteran Trucks Association to entertain us and show us the beauty of a bygone time. I know that people the length and breadth of Sligo and Leitrim love what they do. It adds a dimension to our lives, a look back through living history.

Normally my colleague, Deputy Dessie Ellis deals with transport but I think he would be as puzzled as I am as to the reasons these groups must make a presentation today. I do not know the reason that the proposal that was put by both groups to the Minister, which seems reasonable, was not accepted. I do not fully understand that. It seem that there was a difficulty with the way the legislation was shaped that the exemption could not be included. However, I cannot figure it out.

I will support Deputy Dooley's amendment. Far from relying on a review in 2013, if I were a vintage car, truck or commercial vehicle owner, I would be a little bit weary of what will come down the tracks in 2015. I do not understand the logic of treating trucks and commercial vehicles differently from vintage cars and I believe their request is reasonable. I will support it.

Finally, a question; are the witnesses aware of what is happening in other European Countries and, if so, will they give us a run down on it?