Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)

I thank Deputy Pringle and the Technical Group for allowing me the opportunity to use some of its time to speak on this important subject. I acknowledge the presence of the Minister, Deputy Hogan, and thank him for being present.

There are a number of important issues which I want to raise about this matter. First, it is unfair on those who in good faith went out and purchased what are classified as environmentally friendly cars and who thought that they were doing right. They were advised and encouraged to do so and I would have been sure that the Government would have honoured the promise made in the past to keep the tax on such motor cars at a lower rate than that on all other cars. Unfortunately, the Minister has seen fit to increase the cost by a considerable sum, especially at a time when money is scarce.

It is on that subject, too, that I want to ask the Government whether it realises what is happening in the country with the cost of fuel. It is ridiculous. It costs between €80 and €100 to fill any type of ordinary van or car. If it was to be exactly half that amount, it would still be a considerable sum. I must declare an interest in this as I have a small country filling station. I am acutely aware of what people are being put through with the high cost of fuel. I never thought I would live to see the day when an articulated lorry would pull up at a diesel pump and it would cost €1,460 to fill it. When one thinks about it, it is ridiculous.

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