Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and acknowledge the measures that have been implemented. A lot is often made of the insufficiency of the public charging network. I do not share that criticism myself because I have a home charger and rely solely on that. The Government decision to reduce VAT to 0% on solar installations in 2023 was hugely beneficial to my family and others like mine. It allowed us to invest in solar PV panels, which marries very well with EV driving. I am a strong advocate for EV driving and would like to encourage more people to make the switch. In light of the high input costs of a new EV, does the Minister see any possibility in the current upper limit for VRT reduction being increased? I recently purchased a second-hand EV for the first time. What is his view on introducing some tax measures specifically for second-hand EVs, allowing first-time buyers of second-hand EVs to also receive a grant towards the purchase and installation of a home charger among other things?

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