Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

The Minister has acknowledged this is just a money-raising measure while at the same time trying to play the green card, as he did last year. To get the benefit of the new rating introduced in July, one has to be in the position to buy a new car. The point I made on last year's budget still applies. When the Minister talks about changing driver behaviour, he is actually talking about changing consumption behaviour. Instead of buying one product, it just encourages people to buy another product. If one has the money, one can buy a new car. I note there is no increase in the tax on electric cars. Most people will not have the luxury of being able to buy one of these cars.

The tax on vehicles, however, used for the carriage of eight or more persons which are used exclusively by youth or community organisations will be increased.

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