Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

Many Members have said this measure has not been thought through. It seemed like a good idea in principle but it has emerged following the budget that there are issues which the Minister and the Government did not anticipate. For example, some motorists will unfairly benefit from this measure while there could be a shortfall in local government funding and, as Deputy McEntee said, some people might try to get around the system. This measure did not need to be rushed. The Minister has a tendency to say his proposals are a response to climate change and they need to be implemented urgently. However, measures such as this make little difference to our carbon emissions. A table was appended to his carbon budget report, which predicted reductions in our emissions over the next five years but no calculation was provided for the VRT and motor taxation changes.

This measure assumes our continued dependence on cars and it is part of an approach that will permit a sustained increase in transport emissions. It will not change people's behaviour but it will allow some people who can afford it to buy different cars from other people. Its intention is to make them consume one car instead of another. It does nothing to get people out of their cars to use public transport, thereby reducing transport emissions.

The Minister needs to learn that he should consult first prior to taking action. He needs to consult industry and users.

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