Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Our estimate is that the cost in a half year would be ¤35 million and ¤70 million in a full year. While these figures may not seem large in the context of a budget of billions of euro, they are certainly large in the context of the calculations on which we base the budget. We have closely examined this issue and EU regulations are key it. We cannot do something that is so left field that it will discredit the entire system. We do not want to create new lacunae that will allow people to effectively offset tax. The key issue is the operator's or equivalent licence from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Senator MacSharry asked that we take a risk. I believe in taking risks provided they are calculated and proportionate. The way in which the relief has been framed focuses it on those who are going through an especially difficult time, notwithstanding the difficulties other people are facing. As I stated, some of this can be offset in terms of where the costs of particular products are. This measure is focused exclusively on those who are in the haulage industry and those operating buses and coaches. We have an open mind.