Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 332: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the environmental consequences arising from the increased use of diesel by private motor cars; the measures he is taking to reduce the harmful consequences of increased diesel use in terms of additional emissions; if this includes the mandatory fitting of particulate filters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27888/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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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 equivalents, 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.