Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Irish motorists are the most taxed in Europe. When they leave the garage, they pay more tax than any of their European counterparts on their cars and when they go to the filling station they pay more on a litre of petrol or diesel. Out of every euro spent, approximately 60 cent goes directly to the Government before anybody else takes a cut. This is another penalty, albeit a small one, on Irish motorists, especially those living in rural areas. Farmers with heavy goods vehicles will face increases of 9.5%. That might not seem a lot but it will mean an increase of €150 for most farmers. It is another cruel imposition on Irish motorists, who are taxed more than any of their counterparts in Europe. Notwithstanding the decreasing cost of insurance, it will also be a major blow to young people who have recently acquired a car and are financially stretched by the costs of running it. While the increase may appear small, it is unjust tax which makes the taxation system even more penal.

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