Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has shown himself to be eminently reasonable in the course of the wider debate yesterday and today on this issue. It has been very amusing sitting here and listening to some of Senator Byrne's comments. We have had many examples of people divesting themselves of their assets and behaving in ways that have been utterly reprehensible. While some of what he said has reason, some of it is somewhat extreme.

I take Senator Norris's point about older, bigger cars having less value but being extremely expensive to run and maintain. I also take Senator Cullinane's point about being able to access roadworthy vehicles for ¤1,200. I, too, have a concern about people in rural areas, particularly those needing to ferry children around, being able to access a roadworthy vehicle for ¤1,200. The Minister has been so reasonable on so many issues, would it be possible to consult with the Society of the Irish Motor Industry if Sinn Féin were to withdraw its amendment and perhaps retable it? I understand this debate will resume on Tuesday. Perhaps the Minister might ask his departmental officials to make some contact with the Society of the Irish Motor Industry to establish if ¤1,200 is a reasonable amount of money with which to buy a roadworthy car that would not be prohibitive to tax, insure and run.