Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Motorists have the added burden of motoring costs. According to Automobile Association figures, it now costs €10,383 to run a small family car for a year. Road tax for a 1.8 litre car is just under €500. The same Revenue Commission which dictates that number plates must include Irish charges €500 in tax. Insurance for a 30 year old male driver is approximately €1,000 while in Britain the equivalent figure is approximately €650. When one considers these burdens and motoring charges, one can appreciate the level of frustration felt by motorists.

The Minister has a chance to look at this problem objectively when he reviews the contract next year. He must be fair to the motorist. He should analyse the British system. If the system is working in Northern Ireland and has a better success rate we should pick from their ideas and modify them in order to be fairer to the motorists who are doing the test.