Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

They did not have a part to play previously. I have asked that they should make decisions on the speed limits that should apply on roads are safe and those that are not safe. Some 89% of the vehicles in this country use either petrol or diesel. How many of those over there drive petrol or diesel cars? Be honest. Some 89% of the vehicles in Ireland use either petrol or diesel, which means that 89% of those who are being overtaxed are the working people the Government talks about in the context of the minimum wage. They are already being overtaxed, but the Government is now putting another liability on them in the form of local road tax. The Government is taxing the same people it is trying to help.

I am asking for common sense. Common sense means allowing local authorities to have responsibility for deciding the speed limits that should apply on local roads. This would mean that we would have a tiered system. The Road Safety Authority has to do its job, but local roads should be dealt with on the basis of local information.

The Government is overtaxing people who are already on the breadline and who cannot put food on the table. I am seeking pay parity for everyone. Remember, these are working people we are talking about.

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