Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Although the Taoiseach and I met yesterday, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil Party, I offer our sincere sympathy on the recent death of his mother, Eithne. May she rest in peace. In that context, I appreciate the Taoiseach's attendance today.

The budget leaks have been continuing at an unprecedented pace. The most recent leak, on motor tax hikes, is particularly cynical in so far as any such increase in motor taxation would appear to target fuel efficient cars. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, has confirmed he will increase the bands and rates. To reduce carbon emissions, enhance the environment, help produce a cleaner environment, tackle climate change and promote energy efficiency the previous Government introduced various incentives for the purchase of more fuel efficient cars. This policy worked. Those who bought fuel efficient cars did so on the basis that there would be certainty and consistency in the motor taxation regime. They will, therefore, view the Government's decision to increase motor taxation rates as an act of treachery which flies in the face of measures being taken globally to tackle fuel emissions. As the threat is a significant one in terms of our environment and so forth, time is not on our side. As a result of the various leaks and commentary by the Minister, there is widespread uncertainty concerning the motor taxation regime. There is also a lack of clarity and many doubts in respect of the sustainability or long-term nature of the regime when people make decisions on the types of cars they wish to buy. We have been promoting the idea that people should buy fuel-efficient cars. Does the Taoiseach accept that increases in rates and bands for fuel-efficient cars would essentially reverse the trend towards a better and cleaner environment in Ireland? Does he accept that in such circumstances, the Government would essentially be engaging in an act of treachery against those who have gone down that route?

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