Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

When I noticed the Local Government (Roads Functions) Bill on this week's schedule, I was looking forward to learning of major proposals for the future of the road network. However, when I read the technical aspects of the Bill, I was disappointed.

What is the future of the local improvement and the community involvement scheme? While these important schemes have had a large impact on many communities, their single largest problem is in securing adequate funding. When I served on south Tipperary's local authority, each year when agreeing the council's budget, our main concern was the lack of funding for roads projects. We were forced to wait each year for the Minister to announce how much would be available. The powers-that-be in any Department in Dublin do not understand the impact of the local improvement scheme on rural communities. With the forthcoming budget, will the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government make more funding available for these wonderful schemes?

As a Member I am always frustrated with replies to parliamentary questions from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. As a Member representing a rural constituency, I note that every week a matter is raised about the condition of local roads. As traffic volumes increase, it is becoming an important issue. I do not understand why a simple reply to parliamentary questions on road projects and improvements cannot be had. How the Department of Social and Family Affairs deals with parliamentary questions is an example to behold and which every other Department must follow.

I question the wisdom and logic of transferring certain powers from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to the Department of Transport as proposed in the Bill. I am concerned this will not be good for road users. People are frustrated because they are paying a large amount in road tax. Those living in rural Ireland see a large amount of tax being paid in keeping a car on the road, from when one buys a vehicle to motor tax to the petrol pump.

Recently there was debate on putting extra taxes on jeeps and SUVs because they are supposed to be fuel-guzzlers. The Minister, Deputy John Gormley, promotes this view. He should be very careful as many of these vehicles are necessary to those who are hard-pressed in rural Ireland. Before the Minister jumps to make such a decision he should tread carefully and think of the people on low incomes whose way of life has changed drastically but who need those vehicles.

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