John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

While this issue falls into the domain of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, that certainly is the intention. I hope the Deputy agrees this shift in ratio is essential and must be made as we were out of kilter with regard to sustainability for far too long. In other words, we were investing far too much in roads and not enough in our public transport system. Thankfully, the new programme for Government recognises for the first time that this must change. This is a real commitment and there must be change. I also am glad to note in respect of public transport that at long last, real-time information will be provided for passengers. This information can be acquired from a computer screen at the bus stop or, even better, from one's mobile telephone.

The Deputy will be aware that I cannot reveal the budget's contents. While I cannot tell him what will be the rate of the carbon levy, it will be introduced. Moreover, I hope it can be introduced in a manner such as has been outlined in the report by the Commission on Taxation, whereby those people who suffer from fuel poverty can be protected and that the money can be directed towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions. That is the purpose of a carbon levy. It must change behaviour and must do what it says on the tin.

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