Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the use of zero emissions personal transport and utility vehicles as outlined in the recent discussion document, Electric Transport and the Role of Government by Green Machines and GreenAer Mobility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23696/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The document referred to was only received in my Department on 12 June and is still under consideration. The range of fiscal incentives and infrastructural measures suggested in the document are more appropriate to the Ministers for Finance and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Nevertheless, the potential of electric cars is something that will have to be availed of as part of a range of measures to deliver a sustainable transport system for Ireland. The Deputy will be aware I am committed to bringing a sustainable travel and transport action plan to Government this year and I expect that the issue of electric vehicles will be addressed in that context.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister's final comments. The report sets out the benefits of electric cars which, as the Minister will be aware have zero emissions, cause less pollution, are almost noiseless and promote environmental awareness. Notwithstanding the fact the Minister received the document only last week, this matter should be on top of the green city agenda and the green city for change programme. We must get people out of their cars and into either public transport or electric vehicles as discussed. Some of the key points the Minister might respond to are the use of bus lanes, free parking designated areas and, in particular, the recommendation concerning recharging stations where appropriate in centre city locations. That would greatly encourage the use of electric vehicles.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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We received the discussion document last week. Some of the ideas contained in it had already been submitted to the Department as part of the sustainable transport and travel action plan and we shall consider each one carefully. Many of the issues mentioned by the Deputy are not directly within our remit. Following the 500 submissions we received we are endeavouring to engage with other Departments, some of which will be directly involved, such as the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Finance and others. We aim to produce a document that will highlight the best of these ideas. The Deputy is right to say that the benefits of the electric car are very attractive from an environmental point of view and the matter will receive careful consideration.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I welcome what the Minister said concerning a proactive approach across all Departments. As Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey should take the lead in this. The role of local government will be critical, as was clearly identified in the report, particularly regarding the purchase of many of the service vehicles used in cities and urban areas.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That concludes Priority Questions.