Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree 100% that there are complications with the diesel issue and allowances must be made for certain commercial vehicles. At the same time, we must start encouraging companies to move in that direction. As I stated, I do not expect companies to throw away what they have but they must start moving in the direction of using less diesel. The impetus will probably have to come from here so the sooner we do it, the sooner we will get to a position where we are in a better place. We must bring the companies with us. I would make allowances for companies as I would not want to penalise them in the transition period. It is a piece of work that can be developed.

The point made by Deputy Michael McGrath is very good. People looking at whether to invest in this will look at the Revenue Commissioner information and see it as one year rather than three. The Ceann Comhairle will ask me if I will press this. I would if Fianna Fáil would vote with me. Deputy McGrath informs me his wife will kill him if he votes with me so there is not much point in me pressing it. I will have to give the Minister the benefit of the doubt and trust him. I hope companies will have the courage to take this on board as well and trust him. It is not enough for me to do it.

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