Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I also wish to voice my opposition to this measure. As other speakers have noted, it is completely anti-rural and is completely hostile to the green environment. I was one of the backbenchers who approached the late Brian Lenihan to introduce the scrappage scheme and I note this measure is completely anti-business. Moreover, a tax on trade plates is imminent. This measure constitutes a breach of faith with the hundreds of thousands of people who bought cars with lower emissions. While they may have availed of lower tax rates, they were encouraged to so do. This represents another body blow and another kick in the teeth for Joe Public and the ordinary voters to whom the Government made so many promises. They acted in good faith on foot of the previous Government's initiative but this now has been thrown in their faces. Consequently, I oppose the measure.

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