Seán Kyne (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement matter. I welcome the Minister of State. There are three of us here who wish to raise this matter. It is an important issue.

The former Minister, Deputy Ryan, in October 2024 on behalf of his Department and perhaps on behalf of the Government - I am not sure and maybe the Minister of State can clarify that - wrote to the President of the European Commission regarding the greening of our corporate fleets. It is a good idea. With An Post, the ministerial car fleet and various other fleets, it would make sense that they would move towards greening, electric vehicles, EVs, and decarbonisation. That all makes sense. However, there is an issue in relation to the car rental fleet. For example, there are people coming over from the United States and elsewhere who arrive at Shannon Airport, Dublin Airport or elsewhere and are looking to hire a car. If they are not driving an electric car at home, they are unlikely to want to drive an electric car in a foreign country where they have to drive on the other side of the road and have concerns about range with recharging and all of that. The concern is that this is putting an undue pressure on the car rental sector. It could have negative consequences for the car rental sector and tourism as a result. It is something that there needs to be a pause on in relation to that particular sector. What engagement has the Minister of State had? Will he reflect on that?