Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Sinn Féin also opposes this proposal. It must recognised that once again that an easy option has been chosen by this Government. It is targeting motorists, not alone with this proposal in relation to motor tax but in terms of Financial Resolution No. 3, which deals with increases in excise duties on petrol and diesel. This is outrageous. There is no public transport provision across rural Ireland. People are dependant on a motor vehicle to access work. Work is crucial. This is akin to a tax on accessing one's employment. It must be seen in that reality. It is penal and totally unacceptable. We must view this in terms of its impact on transport costs. Any increase in terms of the transportation of goods and services will result in increased cost to the consumer. This is a regressive proposition, which does nothing to aid any turn in the economic condition with which we are currently coping. I vehemently oppose this resolution and ask that the Government withdraw it.

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