Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 411: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the recent changes in the motor tax and VRT regimes that will result in a shift in the market towards diesel powered cars; his views on this contention; the projections his Department has made of the increase in diesel fuelled cars over the next five years; the environmental and public health consequences of a greater dependence on diesel as a fuel to power motor vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5528/08]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 412: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that can be taken to reduce the harmful effect on health of an increased use of diesel as a fuel to power motor vehicles; if any filters can be fitted to vehicles to address these impacts; if such filters are fitted as standard on diesel cars or as an optional extra; if such filters will be made mandatory to coincide with the coming into effect of the new motor tax and VRT rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5529/08]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 413: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the changes to motor tax and VRT announced in budget 2008 are more likely to favour a growth in diesel cars as opposed to biofuel or hybrid cars due to the removal of the 50% VRT rebate; if this is in the best interests of the environment and public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5530/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 to 413, inclusive, together.

The rebalancing of VRT and motor tax on cars registered from 1 July 2008 is designed to lower the levels of CO2 emissions from the use of private cars. It is generally accepted that a diesel-powered car has a lower level of CO2 emissions than its petrol equivalent. While historically diesel cars have had higher emissions of NOx and particulate matter than their petrol equivalent, the European Union has progressively introduced robust emissions standards for vehicles since 1993, known as Euro standards. These standards have substantially reduced NOx and particulate matter from passenger cars and heavy goods vehicles, particularly those with diesel engines. Euro 5 will enter into force in September 2009 and makes it obligatory to have a particle filter for all diesel cars of new models, and also specifies the same particulate matter standards for both petrol and diesel engines. More stringent Euro 6 standards will come into effect in 2014.

I am satisfied therefore that the rebalancing of VRT and motor tax will not have adverse environmental or public health consequences. The rebalancing of VRT and motor tax does not favour engine size, fuel or the technology of a vehicle, but is focused on CO2 emissions. Notwithstanding this, I understand that the Minister for Finance has included a provision in the Finance Bill 2008, which will extend the existing 50% VRT relief for series production hybrid and flexible fuel cars until 30 June 2008, and replace it with a VRT relief of up to €2,500 for such cars from 1 July 2008.