Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 302: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will support a matter (details supplied). [42698/08]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 304: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will put in place an alternative method of refund for transport operators to the excise duty refund for public transport services, which was terminated on 31 October 2008; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that similar such schemes are operating in other EU countries to support commercial public transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42718/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 302 and 304 together.

As already stated in my answer to Question numbers 28 and 33 on 1 October last and in further question answered on 4 November, the Finance Act 2008 provides for the removal of excise duty reliefs in the bus sector with effect from I November 2008. Since this is in line with our EU obligations, there is no power to restore the scheme.