Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his fair reply. Obviously, a comprehensive report is being compiled with the various bodies which will identify options and possible changes to the motor tax regime. Up to 25% of hauliers have already gone to Northern Ireland, with 4,000 registered vehicles in Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, Belgium and the UK. We have to stop this because it is causing real problems, with the Revenue Commissioners losing out and other associated costs. It costs €4,000 to tax a truck in Ireland, while in the North it only comes to £850. I welcome the fact the working group will publish its findings by the end of next month and hope it will be positive for the hauliers, as the fuel rebate was.

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