Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their comments. Clearly, the Irish Road Haulage Association has made this case for a number of years. There was a serious imbalance in terms of competitiveness and many hauliers were inclined to register elsewhere and avail of the cheaper taxes as a consequence.

The Government has listened carefully to the haulage business. That business shifts the vast majority of goods exported from, and imported to, this country. It is a critical element of our economic progress and the economic rise in confidence. From that perspective, it is important that it be understood that the Government has been very much open to business in the interests of business. That is to continue the drive to strengthen our economy and as a consequence to create jobs and have an engine to deal with the social challenges we face.

Deputy Troy raised the issue of tyres. Obviously, that is an issue. Irrespective of how expensive or big the vehicle is, be it a car or lorry, the only point of contact with the road is through the tyres. Clearly, one cannot mess around with them. One must have good tyres. From an environmental perspective, waste tyres can have a devastating impact on emissions depending on what is done with them. I am aware of the industries the Deputy mentioned. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is working on a producer-led scheme to mitigate the waste. The points the Deputy mentioned in respect of the meetings he had are well understood. Obviously there is some work ongoing in that regard.

An interdepartmental committee has been established to address the implications of introducing a pay-as-you-go road tax system for heavy goods vehicles. The group is reviewing the way commercial motor tax is assessed and charged. The work of the group has been expanded to include a review of the existing commercial motor tax regime and consideration of the current system of classifying commercial vehicles for motor tax purposes. The work of the group is ongoing.

This measure will be welcomed by hauliers and truck drivers throughout the country. They will see in it a recognition of the valuable work they do for our economic development and expansion. It is a recognition, in part, of the difficulties and imbalance in competitiveness they faced as well as a recognition of the work they do. I thank the Deputies for their support for the resolution.

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