Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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23. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on his work with the Stormont Assembly in order to lobby the British Government in relation to the proposed HGV levy and the threat it poses to cross border trade. [54259/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Since 1999 various EU directives have set common rules on distance-related tolls and time-based user charges (vignettes) for HGVs for the use of certain infrastructure.  It is open to any Member State to introduce road user charges if it wishes.  Road charging is an important revenue source option in relation to funding of roads infrastructure, particularly in the context of ensuring that out of state hauliers contribute to the costs of a country’s road infrastructure.     

In respect of the United Kingdom's introduction of road charging, I have had a number of contacts with my counterpart there, both in response to the initial public consultation and more recently to point out the difficulties it will create for Republic of Ireland hauliers, especially those in the border area.  Furthermore, I asked that the contribution made to date, and planned future contributions, by the Irish Government to road infrastructure costs in Northern Ireland be taken into account and some provision be made for Irish-registered HGVs.

The UK Minister has responded, indicating a willingness to consider certain specified regional cross-border roads in Northern Ireland.   The issue has also been discussed at transport sectoral meetings of the North South Ministerial Council, and there may be merit in seeking to discuss it again.  My officials continue to liaise with their UK counterparts on this issue.  Any influence that the Deputy can bring to bear on the UK authorities through his colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive would of course be welcome.