Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)

I am delighted to speak on these statements. I spoke on the haulage sector and its challenges recently at its conference in Galway. I am delighted to speak again in the Chamber to relay the difficulties and issues presented to me at that conference in September.

The haulage sector contributes €3.7 billion per annum to our economy. It creates thousands of jobs in rural Ireland where there are virtually no opportunities for people. It must be protected. When we look at things like the toll increases, it appears to be the case that the people who get up early in the morning and work the hardest are punished the greatest. That is what many working people, hauliers and many people who commute to Dublin are saying to me. In terms of the toll increases, many haulage companies are paying between €20,000 and €30,000 per month in toll fees, which is scandalous. Will the Government intervene with TII and send a clear message that people and companies cannot afford another toll increase? Why can that message not be sent from here loud and clear?

I am particularly concerned about the costs and financial burden being put on companies that contribute greatly to our economy. The cost of diesel has increased by over 10 cent per litre in the last two weeks. That will cripple many haulage companies and motorists. I propose that the Government look at putting a cap on diesel prices for the transport sector, which is a crucial cog in the wheel of our economy. We must support and protect jobs. As I said, we should be supporting the people who get up early and work very hard to contribute to our economy. They are the people who need support.

If we look at the tax burden, IRHA president Ger Hyland has stated many times that the haulage industry has been taxed out of existence; 32% of taxes being foisted upon one sector is a disgrace. That needs to be looked at. Instead of crippling it with taxes, charges, tolls and carbon tax, let us try to support and protect jobs into the future.

I ask for the proposal for a cap on fuel prices to be considered for the haulage sector. I know the IRHA has asked for the tax burden to be reviewed and for the areas of fuel, tolls and compliance to be looked at and for the introduction of targeted supports or relief measures to help operators transition to more sustainable fleets without financial penalty. Thank God the fairy tale party, the Green Party, is no longer here because what it was doing to the sector was outrageous. If it wants it to become greener, then the Government should be supporting it. There should also have been a subsidy for HVO.

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