Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their contributions. Most of the issues have been covered and I have just a few points to raise. In regard to the models operating in other countries, is it correct that when the weight goes over 1,600 kg, the charge of €10 per kilogram kicks in straight away, or is there a gradient such that when the really heavy cars come into play, the charge is higher? Has such a model been examined anywhere? I am conscious that many people in this country drive the likes of a Ford Focus, Opel Astra or that size of car, which would probably be below the threshold weight, whereas with slightly larger cars such as the Ford Mondeo, one would be there or thereabouts. From what I can see, it is the much larger cars that are the problem, including large Range Rovers and large Mercedes models. That is where we need to target this tax. I take the point, which reflects my experience, that very wealthy people will pay whatever the charge might be. They want what they want and they will pay for it. That is one of the issues in regard to the taxation aspect. We need to find some way of regulating that.

I am conscious that a lot of these vehicles are being driven in cities, where they are not needed at all. I live in a rural area and very few people near me drive Range Rovers or vehicles like that because it is a poorer part of the world and, by and large, they cannot afford them. It is in the more affluent areas that one sees all these vehicles, where they are not needed and are doing very low mileage.

We have talked about electric vehicles. I travel approximately 1,000 km a week to and from my rural constituency. I have tried out EVs twice, doing tests at the weekend. I found it difficult to find an EV that could do the range I would need to be assured I can get to where I want to go, particularly if I have to go to Dublin and back. With motorway driving, where one is travelling in excess of 80 km/h, the battery goes down very fast. I am interested to find out whether we are near the stage where we will see the development of better battery technology, including for mid-range cars. I understand alternatives to the lithium-ion battery are being tested. Are we near the point where we will have commercial alternatives, based on resources that are more abundant in the world and can be produced more cheaply? Even a lighter battery could be part of the solution. I would like to hear the witnesses' views on that.

The issue of the weight of vehicles is one factor but their height and bulk are also an issue we must find a way to address. I take on board the points made about how it is difficult to do that, but we need to look for a way of doing so.