Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand exactly where the Deputy is coming from and her concerns. If one starts to make exemptions for one voluntary organisation, where does it stop? Many of them have great merit, as the Deputy outlined. The Roads Act 1993 specifies the categories that are exempt, namely, the ambulance, fire brigade, Garda Síochána and Defence Forces. I will undertake to bring the Deputy's specific question on the cost of exempting more organisations from the toll to the Minister for a direct response to the Deputy. I encourage Meath River Rescue to approach the toll operators to see whether progress could be made. Again, I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter, which brings into focus the valuable work of rescue organisations, which none of us should underestimate, be it mountain, sea or river rescue or the coastguard. These people volunteer their time, expertise and effort to look after others and should be supported in any way possible. I accept the Deputy's concerns and will pass them on to the Minister.

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