Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 219: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on introducing assistance for private school bus operators who are to lose the diesel fuel rebate and whose business is in danger with the risk to school bus routes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31349/07]

Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The current fuel duty rebate scheme is a matter for the Minister for Finance and the Revenue Commissioners. I understand that in March of this year the European Commission published its decision to refuse all requests for the retention of the fuel duty rebate scheme.

My Department understands that officials from the Department of Transport are currently engaging with officials from the Department of Finance to explore the possibility of replacing the scheme, if appropriate, by alternative non-tax financial support mechanisms to achieve the same policy objectives, subject to EU State Aid requirements. My Department will liaise with both Departments regarding the outcome of these discussions.