Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 779: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures he plans to introduce, if any, to assist the licensed Irish road hauliers who are struggling as a result of the price increases in motor tax; if he will consider eliminating motor tax for registered road hauliers and introduce a pay as you drive system of motor tax as is used in Europe for road hauliers which could also generate revenue from foreign trucks coming here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19043/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may be aware that a working group was set up between officials of my Department, the IRHA and some members of the Oireachtas. This working group is discussing a number of issues of concern to the haulage industry. I am sure the Deputy will understand that I cannot pre-empt the outcome of those discussions which are ongoing. I should point out that a fuel rebate system, as sought by the IRHA, could not under EU law be restricted to Irish licensed hauliers but would have to be extended to all vehicles intended exclusively for the carriage of goods by road with a maximum permissible gross laden weight of not less than 7.5 tonnes. In addition, the rebate would have to include the carriage of passengers by a motor vehicle of category M2 or category M3 as defined in Council Directive 70/156/EEC.