Written answers

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

9:00 pm

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the recently introduced carbon levy as a environmental measure in view of the fact that public transport operators have been forced to cut services due to reduced funding; his further views on whether this will force persons back into private cars thus negating environmental benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1062/10]

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether the carbon levy is appropriate as an environmental measure in view of the fact that it has not been accompanied by increased support for public transport to encourage a modal shift in behaviour but has instead been accompanied by further funding and service cuts by public transport operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1063/10]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Question Nos 213 and 214 together.

The Deputy must bear in mind that the emissions from the transport sector account for around 30% of non-ETS emissions. The carbon tax is about sending price signals to the sector as a whole. The carbon tax does not differentiate between private and public transport per se, however, the impact on public transport will be far less than on private transport by virtue of the fact that the higher cost of fuel is dispersed amongst more people, for example, using a bus compared to an individual in a car. Consequently, the carbon tax will be proportionately less for users of public transport which should be an incentive for its use. In addition, the carbon tax provides an incentive for both private motorists and providers of public transport to invest in fuel efficient cars and buses when they are making future purchasing decisions.

It should also be noted that the Government has invested record levels of public funds in developing transport infrastructure and services over the last decade. In particular, under Transport 21, over €3bn has been invested in public transport since 2006. In rural areas, in addition to the provision of more buses for Bus Eireann, the Rural Transport Programme funding has more than doubled since 2005, and funding levels in 2010 is being be protected at that provided in 2009 (€11m).

Photo of Ned O'KeeffeNed O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will assist a person (details supplied) in County Cork in obtaining her P45. [1548/10]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an Officer from Roscommon District will call to the taxpayer's former employer, who is based in Roscommon, and will give priority to securing the outstanding P45.

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