Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on a request from coach operators and Fáilte Ireland (details supplied) regarding the cost and competitive disadvantage which their sector faces consequent on the removal of excise duty reliefs; his further views on an alternative policy initiative to support this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44511/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Representations have been made by the coach industry on this matter, and I know that an industry group commissioned a consultancy report in support of its case. The issues raised by the expiry of the fuel excise rebate scheme affect all bus companies (private and public) that provide public transport and school bus services, as well as coach tourism.

As the Deputy will be aware from my recent answers to other questions on this matter, including my answer of 16 October 2008 (Ref. 35208/08), relevant Departments, in conjunction with my Department, examined and considered options for dealing with the impact of the ending of the scheme. However, in the end, it was not found feasible to introduce an alternative non-tax scheme on a cost-neutral basis and within EU rules. In any event, in the current budgetary circumstances, the Government has to prioritise its expenditure.