Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

I thank the Minister for that clarification which I am sure will be helpful for people who need to access this relief in the future. However, I am disappointed with the second part of his reply. I encourage him to examine the costings that might be involved in such an extension of the relief. If such a cost benefit analysis were done, although it has not been done in regard to other tax reliefs, and if there was a greater take up of public transport and such a tax incentive existed, we might see economic benefits with the relaxation of gridlock on many roadways throughout the country. Towards the end of his reply the Minister indicated that such an extension of the exemption would require an examination. Will he indicate whether he would be prepared to engage in such an examination and report to the House on what it might cost? That would leave the House better informed on whether such a extension of the relief could be pursued as a policy goal.

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