Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The Minister is aware this increase in motor tax is intended to make up for his political failure to get sufficient money in the Estimates from the Minister for Finance to fund his programmes. He has to find the money elsewhere and the soft touch is an increase in motor tax. The economy is uncompetitive at present and a lot of people depend on their vehicles to do their business because public transport is insufficient.

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