Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Motor taxation is, primarily, a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government as proceeds from it go to local government funds. It is a devolved matter in terms of the availability of the resources to local authorities. Therefore, I do not want to comment, pending the announcement of any arrangements the Minister wishes to make in that respect, particularly at this stage of the budgetary process.

I am not au fait with the details of the directive and perhaps it would be better for the Deputy to make contact with the Departments of Transport and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government or put a question to them to check the situation.

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