Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

The Minister had his chance to speak and I did not interrupt him. I want to confirm that what the Minister proposes in conjunction with his colleagues shows his total contempt for the motorist. However, the Minister is in favour of the cyclist. A new initiative will be introduced for the cyclist while the motorist is hammered in the process. We rest our case on this side of the House as to where the Minister's loyalty lies. I know he has a personal interest in this matter. However, as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I would have expected him to confirm an additional initiative on emissions for motor vehicles. The Minister could have proposed, but failed to do so, in the Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Act earlier this year to backdate some of the VRT changes for second-hand cars. The driver file contains all the information needed to do that.

The Minister, however, is out of touch with what is happening in the motor trade. There are millions of euro worth of used cars lying idle in every motor sales garage because of the incompetent manner in which he implemented the VRT changes.

See this speech in context