Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. It is worth pointing out three of the five priority questions are on this issue, which highlights its importance. We are in the run-up to Christmas and there considerable focus on it, as there needs to be.

The Minister of State referred to a number of issues and I will reflect on some of them from the perspective of the sector. On the fuel rebate, the sector is saying the scheme needs to be reviewed and expanded and must support the transition to alternative fuels. The sector points to the fact that gas is currently more expensive than diesel and is not included in the scheme. Fuel accounts for one third of operators' costs. The sector points to the impact of the carbon tax and the fact it is not recirculated into the sector. I ask the Minister of State to respond on those points, after which I will discuss HGVs and workers.

See this speech in context