Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is good news because I know from my engagement with people on the use of EVs that one of the greatest inhibitors is the bad experience of those who are using them because of the lack of charging points, particularly in suburban, rural and semi-rural areas. There are only a relatively small number of charging points in many areas and they are often not working or are poorly policed by local authority traffic wardens in terms of parking. There is need for a rethink in regard to the roll-out of this network and its rapid delivery. Another issue which I have been pushing with the Department of Finance through Fianna Fáil's negotiators from a budget perspective is the tax relief on the hybrid model. I understand the Minister is a user. The current relief expires this year but it needs to be rolled out for a further term. There is little doubt that people have range anxiety and, like the Minister and others, distance issues in regard to the electric vehicle. It is not a suitable mode of transport for many people owing to the current range. To get people to move towards the hybrid model, the tax relief needs to be extended. I am sure this has been identified by Department and it will continue to pursue it. Hopefully, it will come to pass in the forthcoming budget.

As I said the greatest issue regarding the EVs is the roll-out of the fast-charging network, which when available will act as a good advertisement for moving to these vehicles.