Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

He provided for comparatively low rates of tax to apply to low-emission cars. There were big reductions. I think that initiative worked. Over 80% of cars now are low-emission models. The Deputy's big proposal with regard to diesel involves equalising petrol and diesel costs so there is no incentive to move to diesel. I think that would give a fair shock to the system because many people have bought diesel cars. Deputy Eamon Ryan might advise me in this regard in his report. I will consider his proposal and see what the committee thinks of it. I have no plans for equalisation at the moment. It is an interesting area of debate.