Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his answer and acknowledge his efforts to assist the haulage industry, as well as recognising its important role. As he stated, Deputy Áine Collins and I have been involved in a working group set up by the Minister for Finance last February to discuss and find solutions to two of the most pressing problems facing the industry, namely, fuel costs and fuel laundering. The group included members of the Irish Road Haulage Association and officials from the Department of Finance and Revenue. I thank the members of the association for their commitment and honesty in trying to resolve the issues, as well as the significant amount of work they did and the information they provided for the Department of Finance. The working group's findings have been submitted to the Minister.

As an exporting country, the haulage sector will play an essential role in our economic recovery through the delivery of goods to the United Kingdom and across Europe. We need the industry to be strong, vibrant and competitive. This is particularly true of the Cavan-Monaghan region because we have no rail service, which makes it completely dependent on the haulage industry. Has the Minister had an opportunity to look at the findings of the working group? When will he discuss the matter with the Minister for Finance?

See this speech in context