Seanad debates
Wednesday, 3 December 2003
Order of Business. - Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Powers and Functions) Bill 2003: Second Stage.
Every island has seen a change. Electricity was installed in eight islands which did not have it previously. Most of them are only inhabited on a part-time basis but those who live there have a strong connection with the place. There is a lower car tax rate on islands in recognition of the fact that they only have some three miles of road. The cars are somewhat similar to Oisín in Tír nÓg. When he went off on his white horse, he was warned that he could not put his foot on the land of Ireland or he would become 300 years old. Cars on the island fall into the same category in that if they come on to the mainland they need mainland tax. Like Oisín, they should be warned not to bring an island-taxed car on to the mainland.
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