Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the proposed introduction in the United Kingdom of the Eurovignette system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49515/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I take it the Deputy is referring to the proposals by the United Kingdom Minister for Transport to introduce charges for road use.  I am aware of this, and in particular of the HGV Road User Levy Bill.  It is a matter for any State to introduce road use charges if it wishes, and this is an important option in relation to funding of roads infrastructure, which can benefit both national and international users of the roads in question.

I have been in contact with my counterpart in the United Kingdom, both in response to the initial public consultation and more recently, to point out that the contribution made to date by the Irish Government towards roads infrastructure costs in the United Kingdom (namely in relation to the A5 in Northern Ireland) should be taken into account and some provision therefore be made in relation use of roads by Irish registered HGVs.  I am awaiting his response.