Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this resolution and commend the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, and the Minister for Transport and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, for the proposed changes. As the Taoiseach rightly said, this measure concerns job creation. It will give many small enterprises such as those in my city of Cork the opportunity to have confidence. It will drive growth and add to job creation, on which the budget has centred. In particular, it will give confidence to those involved in the road haulage industry. As Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin stated, it will give certainty, in particular in Border counties, and end the anomaly and the fears felt there. It will show in a progressive way that the industry is being recognised and that the Government is supporting the industry in a tangible and meaningful way. We should also acknowledge the Irish Road Haulage Association. We have all met its delegates who have spoken to us and highlighted the importance of the industry at a local level and to the domestic economy. This measure is critical and one I commend.

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