Ms Laura Behan:

A number of measures that were taken by the Government and at EU level contributed strongly to the reduction in emissions over the time period in question. I have mentioned the biofuels obligation scheme, which contributed significantly to the reduction in emissions. I have also referred to the introduction at EU level of new vehicle emissions standards, which were doubled down on by the Government through the VRT and motor tax mechanisms. This has resulted in a significant improvement in fuel economy and significant reductions in emissions from private cars. I accept that transport emissions are increasing again. This is happening because of the growth in our economy and the increase in the number of jobs. As I have said, we need to redouble our efforts to ensure we can return to the emissions-reducing policies that have worked in the past. Alternative fuels and technologies will provide the most cost-effective pathway for us to reduce our transport emissions between now and 2030 to the extent that is needed. For that reason, the Government is conscious of the need to consider in a timely manner how to increase the take-up of low-emitting vehicles within HGV and passenger car fleets. That is why the light electric vehicle task force, which is working extremely hard, has been established. Most of the stakeholders that are represented at this afternoon's meeting are involved in and are contributing to the task force. A number of work programmes are ongoing within the task force.

A question was asked about the kinds of incentives that are being considered. I chair the first working group, which is looking at how the limited investment resources that are available to us might be deployed in this sector. Unfortunately, we do not have Norwegian resources available to us. We recognise that the Government can put softer and more cost-effective incentives and regulatory frameworks in place to try to secure a faster uptake of electric vehicles and other low-emitting vehicles than would otherwise be the case. It is true that these technologies will inevitably enter the worldwide system anyway. We have to consider timing issues like the extent to which we want to resource the earlier take-up of this form of transport than would otherwise be the case. While Ireland has limited resources, there is no doubt that we can consider more initiatives, such as putting better incentives in place. The work of the light electric vehicle task force in that space is leading the agenda now.