Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I add my voice in support of this resolution. It is a progressive step in this budget, one of many. I commend the Department of Finance, the Ministers and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Donohoe, for their support on this. It is a pro-business and pro-consumer measure. It will reduce the cost of goods for everybody. When one looks at the figures and sees the huge difference that existed between operators north and south of the Border, it obviously had to be addressed. I am glad the Government has listened, met with the people involved and delivered this measure. The Border counties have been mentioned, but this will benefit business in every corner of the country.

In addition, as the economy recovers, there are many people who previously were not in a position to put a vehicle on the road for 12 months of the year. They operated on a week on and week off basis and did not have full-time work, because they were absolutely hammered with these overheads. This is a major boost to those people. I welcome it as a very progressive step.

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