Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 314: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on correspondence (details supplied); the effect it is having in relation to increased costs to tourists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33270/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Neither I, nor any of the agencies under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, have responsibility in relation to the car rental industry or the level of tolls on the M50.

As I understand it, the Deputy is concerned with increased charges arising from the introduction of barrier-free tolling on the M50 motorway and, in particular, the introduction by a car rental company of a handling fee per toll incurred by those renting cars. This proposed charge, which I understand has yet to be levied on any customer by the company referred to in the correspondence provided by the Deputy, applies to tourists and non-tourists alike.

In regard to additional individual handling charges introduced by commercial car rental companies, my advice when renting a car, in this highly competitive market, is to shop around among the many car rental companies available to obtain the best value possible and, in making their rental choice, take into account all charges levied by individual operators.